Rare rays spread in the Adriatic

A ray has been spotted again off the Croatian coast. A hobby diver discovered a duckbill ray in the Adriatic Sea–a species considered endangered. For researchers, the find is particularly exciting because it is no longer an isolated case. In recent years, sightings of these impressive marine animals have been increasing in the northern Adriatic.

In early July, the diver encountered the ray during a dive in Valkane Bay near Pula in Croatia. Although he did not have a camera, he immediately reported his observation to the Pula Aquarium, which later published the find in a Facebook post. According to his description, the duckbill ray, also known as the striped eagle ray, had a wingspan of about 1.5 meters and was at a depth of between four and ten meters.

The diver observed the animal for about ten minutes as it searched the seabed for mussels and crustaceans. In doing so, it stirred up sand and small organisms–a feast for numerous smaller fish. About 40 of them followed the ray, taking advantage of the stirred-up food.

Groups of 50 Animals Counted off Trieste

The observation near Pula is part of a trend researchers have been noting for several years in the northern Adriatic off Italy. In the Miramare Marine Reserve in the Gulf of Trieste, larger groups of eagle rays have been documented with increasing frequency over the past three years. Most recently, marine biologists counted more than 50 animals at once there for the first time–the largest gathering recorded in the area to date.

Whether there is a connection between the animal near Pula and the rays in the Gulf of Trieste is still unclear. The fact that the animals have appeared in the region multiple times in a short period is another indication for researchers of how important the northern Adriatic has become for the endangered species.

Mussel Farms Attract Eagle Rays

Why unusually many eagle rays are currently being sighted in the region cannot yet be clearly answered. However, researchers suspect several reasons.

The animals are conspicuously often found near mussel farms. There, they might not only find food but also possibly use the protected waters for reproduction. To prevent damage to the mussel stocks, officials in the Gulf of Trieste are now even testing magnetic deterrent systems. These are intended to keep the rays away from the farms without harming them.

Stricter fishing regulations could also contribute to the more frequent sightings. Saul Ciriaco, head of WWF monitoring in the Miramare Marine Reserve, told Euronews that stricter fishing rules may have favored the animals’ reproduction. At the same time, rising water temperatures due to climate change and shifting food chains are altering the Adriatic ecosystem.

The Northern Adriatic Is Considered an Important Habitat

The fact that sightings are increasing specifically in the northern Adriatic does not surprise experts. The area was designated as an Important Shark and Ray Area (ISRA) in 2023–an internationally recognized protected area of particular importance for sharks and rays. Key factors include suitable spawning grounds, protected nursery areas for juveniles, and a large food supply.

Despite Sightings, the Species Remains Highly Endangered

While the current observations are a positive signal for research, they do not automatically mean that the populations are already recovering. The duckbill ray is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List and is considered endangered. According to the organization, its global population has declined by more than 80 percent over the past approximately 50 years. The main causes are overfishing and bycatch.

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