Huge basking shark filmed near Croatian island Cres

The news in Croatian

1. golem
   vrlo velik po veličini ili količini ↩︎
2. psina  (f.)
   vrsta morske ribe, morski pas ↩︎
3. plankton  (m.)
   sitna morska živa bića koja plutaju u vodi i služe kao hrana mnogim životinjama ↩︎
4. stručnjak  (m.)
   osoba koja ima puno znanja i iskustva u nekom području ↩︎
5. istraživanje  (n.)
   sustavno proučavanje nečega da bi se dobile nove spoznaje ↩︎
6. Jadran  (m.)
   more između istočne obale Italije i zapadne obale Balkana ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: What does the huge basking shark eat?

Question 2: How can citizens help the scientists who study these sharks?

Vocabulary

Croatian	English
golem	huge
psina  (f.)	shark
plankton  (m.)	plankton
stručnjak  (m.)	expert / specialist
istraživanje  (n.)	research
Jadran  (m.)	Adriatic Sea

Read the full story

Video footage taken near the Croatian island of Cres this week appears to show a basking shark, known in Croatian as golema psina. Marine experts from the Blue World Institute (Institut Plavi svijet), a research organisation based on the Adriatic coast, analysed the recording after it was sent in by a member of the public.

Although the video is not completely clear, scientists say the shape of the dorsal fin strongly suggests that the animal is a basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus). This species is considered the second-largest shark in the world, after the whale shark, and individuals can reach over ten metres in length.

According to the Institute, the basking shark is a migratory species that is regularly present along the eastern Adriatic coast, even if encounters remain relatively rare. Many sightings come from the northern Adriatic, including the Kvarner Gulf (Kvarnerski zaljev), where Cres is located. This area is known for having the highest biomass of zooplankton in the Adriatic Sea, providing an important food source for this shark.

Experts emphasise that, despite its size, the basking shark is harmless to humans. It feeds only on plankton, which it filters from the water while swimming with its mouth wide open. The shark’s peaceful behaviour and specialised diet mean that it does not pose a danger to swimmers or divers.

For Croatian researchers, sightings like this one are scientifically valuable. The Blue World Institute explains that reports from citizens help them track the presence and movements of marine species in the Adriatic. People who see large marine animals, including sharks and marine mammals, are encouraged to share photos, videos and location details.

The Institute invites the public to send their observations through the free Marine Ranger mobile application, via the organisation’s official website, social media channels or by email. According to the scientists, this citizen science approach provides “valuable information” that supports the research and protection of the sea. Every report, they say, contributes to a better understanding and conservation of the Adriatic marine ecosystem.

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