The Adriatic Sea, a popular destination known for its clear waters, hosts shark populations. Encounters are exceptionally rare, and most species present no danger to humans. This reality often contrasts with common perceptions, highlighting the need for an informed perspective on marine life.
Shark Species Inhabiting the Adriatic
The Adriatic Sea is home to a diverse range of shark species, with over 30 distinct types. Most are smaller species posing no threat to swimmers. Commonly sighted types include the spiny dogfish, which typically measures under 1.2 meters and prefers deeper, cooler waters, and the small-spotted catshark, a bottom-dweller under a meter. These smaller sharks primarily feed on crustaceans and small fish, rarely venturing close to shore.
Larger shark species, while present, are far less common, especially near coastal areas. The blue shark, a slender species up to 4 meters long, is prevalent, particularly in the southern Adriatic, but it generally prefers open waters. Other species such as the common thresher shark, identifiable by its long tail, and the shortfin mako shark, known for its speed, are also found but are rarer. Great white sharks are exceptionally rare, with only a handful of confirmed sightings. Bull and tiger sharks are also highly uncommon. The vast majority of sharks in the Adriatic are not considered dangerous to humans.
Reality of Shark Encounters and Risk
The likelihood of a shark encounter or attack in the Adriatic Sea is low. Historical records indicate only 21 to 25 documented attacks over the past 135 years. Many of these incidents occurred decades ago, with the last fatal attack reported in 1974. A non-fatal incident involving a great white shark occurred in 2008, but this was an anomaly.
Compared to other water activities, the danger from sharks is negligible. Drowning or boat accidents present substantially higher risks to swimmers than shark interactions. The rarity of attacks is due to several factors, including the sea’s shallow, enclosed nature, which is less conducive to large predatory shark populations. Lower density of typical prey, such as seals, and considerable human activity in coastal areas deter sharks from populated swimming zones. Most sharks inhabiting the Adriatic prefer deeper offshore waters, minimizing their contact with humans.
Understanding Shark Behavior and Safety
Sharks exhibit behaviors that minimize direct interaction with humans. Many species are shy and tend to avoid human presence. However, certain conditions can alter their behavior or increase the chances of an unintended encounter. Sharks possess acute senses and can be drawn to murky waters, which can impair their visibility and lead to misidentification. Fishing activity or spearfishing, which can introduce bait or wounded fish, may attract sharks.
To enhance safety, swimmers and divers can adopt several practices:
Avoiding swimming at dawn, dusk, or night is advisable, as some shark species are more active during these periods.
It is also recommended to swim in groups rather than alone and to stay close to the shore.
Refraining from wearing shiny jewelry, which can mimic the glint of fish scales, and avoiding entering the water with open wounds or bleeding, are further precautions.
Maintaining calm movements in the water, without excessive splashing, can also help reduce perceived erratic behavior that might attract attention.
Conservation and Dispelling Common Fears
Sharks maintain the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As apex predators, they regulate prey populations, which in turn supports the biodiversity and stability of underwater habitats. By preying on sick or weak animals, sharks contribute to the overall health of fish populations. They also indirectly support processes like carbon storage in marine environments by influencing the grazing behaviors of other marine organisms.
Despite their ecological importance, many Adriatic shark species face significant threats. Overfishing, habitat loss, and climate change have led to a decline in their populations, with many species now classified as endangered. The perception of sharks as “man-eaters” is a misconception, often fueled by media, and does not align with the low incidence of human-shark interactions. The Adriatic Sea remains safe for swimming and other water activities, with sharks representing a valuable, though often misunderstood, component of its marine life.