Protected Sea Creatures of the Adriatic

The blue waters of the Adriatic Sea are not only spectacularly beautiful, they’re also a hotbed of biodiversity; more than one half of all Mediterranean species can be found here. Official numbers count between 7000 and 8000 species; optimists go up to 12,000.

Adriatic sea

Protected Sea Creatures

A number of these have been protected by international and Croatian law, to try and minimise the negative effects of human impact and global warming. This protection means that it is forbidden to hunt, kill or endanger them in any way, or destroy their habitats and breeding areas. Even more so, it means that encountering these species today is a privilege and honour. We’ve rounded up a few that should make your day if you see them.

Prtotected sea creatures of the Adriatic

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates)

The only thing that beats seeing a smiling dolphin is seeing a pod swim by or swirl pirouettes in the air. Friendly and intelligent, dolphins are similar to humans in many ways. Also mammals, they give birth to their babies and nurse them. Their inter – nal temperature is 37C oC . And they like to communicate, which they do by whistling, clicking and sending non-verbal cues. They do grow slightly bigger than us, up to four metres in length and up to 600 kilograms in weight, like a grizzly bear or a grand piano. Thanks to the researchers at Blue World Institute on Lošinj island, the Adriatic has been home to the longest running study of a single dolphin community. The valuable conservation insights led to the waters of Kvarnerić becoming the first Mediterranean Dolphin Reserve in 2006, and dolphin-watching a popular activity in the Kvarner bay.

Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncates)

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)

Known to Greek writers Homer and Aris – totle, and gracing coins 500 years before Christ, Mediterranean monk seals are today one of the most endangered sea mammals, with only 600 to 700 remaining in the world. Sea man (morski čovik), as it is lovingly called around Croatia, has been protected here since 1935; the Dalmatian decree, as it was called, was one of the first decisions of its kind, worldwide. These cute and benevolent giants can reach up to 2.5 metres in length and weigh around 300 kilograms. Their rear fins cannot turn forward, so they appear quite clumsy on land, but are able to travel large distances in the sea. In 2022, a spotting in Mljet National Park made headlines in Croatia, and once again highlighted the importance of protected areas for these sensitive creatures.

Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus)

Noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis)

Have you ever wondered why Croatia’s seawaters are so crystal clear? This is partly the work of noble pen shells who filter seawater, and in this way improve its transparency. A type of saltwater clam, this largest shellfish of the Adriatic Sea can grow up to one metre in length and live up to 50 years. The pen shells attach themselves to the seabed and then become habitats for other immobile animals and algae; one pen shell can house up to 35 different residents. Interestingly, the byssus or filaments that it uses for anchoring are called sea silk, and were used around the Mediterranean to weave garments. Finer than regular silk, a pair of gloves made of sea silk could be folded into a walnut shell.

Noble pen shells (Pinna nobilis)

Red coral (Corallium rubrum)

The bright-crimson hues of red coral are a delightful sight for any shopper looking for a traditional souvenir from Croatia. Associated with healing and magical prop – erties, these bright branches used for jewellery are considered very valuable. Unlike the shallow reefs that you can ad – mire when snorkelling, the red Adriatic coral grows in deeper depths, mostly attached to south-facing rocks and in holes. This sea animal, often confused for a plant, uses flower-like polyps to munch on nutrients and plankton; when those are open, coral colonies appear white. Today, coral hunting is strictly regulated by quotas, and also by nature. To get larger branches that can be used in jew – ellery making, divers have to descend to depths over 50 metres, an undertaking only rare professionals dare try.

Red coral (Corallium rubrum)

Seahorses (Hippocampus)

Poseidon, the Greek god of the seas, trea sured seahorses; many other beliefs as – sociate these lovely creatures with magic, masculinity and perseverance. The magical attribute is due to their ability to mimic; they can transform to appear invisible. They are seen as masculine be – cause it is the males who carry and bear babies, while taking care of the family. The notion of perseverance comes from these light beings using their strong tail to attach to seagrass and coral reefs in order to stay in the chosen place during currents. Around the world, there are almost 50 different species of seahorse; in Cro – atia, both the spiny seahorse and the short-snouted seahorse are protected by law. They live in shallow waters, between 1 and 15 metres of depth. Funny enough, these lousy swimmers are most likely to be spotted when swimming.

Seahorses (Hippocampus)