June the 25th, 2026 – Scientists have confirmed that the large shark caught in waters near Rogoznica back in 2023 was a great white shark.
Scientists have confirmed that the shark caught near Rogoznica in 2023 was a great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias), one of the most recognisable and protected marine predators in the world.
Index reports that the young shark, estimated to have been around 1.5 metres long, was reportedly caught accidentally by fishermen, likely with a longline. Instead of reporting the discovery to authorities or scientific institutions, the fishermen appallingly photographed themselves with the animal and later sold it to a restaurant. Thankfully, punishment followed.
Marine biologists described the find as extremely valuable for research, since great white sharks are rarely recorded in the Adriatic Sea. Experts say the species does not permanently live in the Adriatic but occasionally enters the area, mainly in search of food such as tuna.
Scientists stressed that such discoveries should be reported to institutions such as the Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, as every confirmed sighting provides important information about the species’ presence and movement in the Mediterranean.
The incident also renewed discussion about the protection of sharks in the Adriatic. The great white shark is a protected species, and experts have warned that declining shark populations make every individual important for conservation efforts.
Despite their fearsome reputation, researchers note that great white sharks do not typically attack humans as prey. The last recorded fatality involving a great white shark in Croatian waters occurred near Vis back in 2008 and was not deadly.
