A common sea ray (𝐀𝐞𝐭𝐨𝐦𝐲𝐥𝐚𝐞𝐮𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐬) seen in Valkane Bay in Pula

While scientists were recording large groups of common terns in the Miramare marine protected area, in the Gulf of Trieste, an adult of this rare and endangered species was also observed on Monday, July 6, in the Valkane Bay in Pula. Diver Klaudio Rajković spotted it during a dive and immediately reported his find to us. Unfortunately, he did not have a camera with him, so we cannot show this interesting encounter on video, but his observation represents a valuable contribution to monitoring the species. He described the size of the individual with a pectoral fin span of about 150 cm and with a characteristic long tail that makes up about two-thirds of the total body length. At a depth of 4 to 10 meters, the individual was searching the seabed in search of shellfish and crustaceans. During the ten-minute observation, the diver spotted about forty small fish feeding on organisms that had risen from the bottom due to the pigeon's digging. The observation in Pula is particularly interesting because it coincides with unusually numerous occurrences of this species in Miramare, where for several days at the beginning of the month, sea pigeons were observed feeding on mussels in breeding grounds. The largest groups ever recorded in the area were recorded; one numbered more than 50 individuals. Scientists from Miramare point out that this is an extremely rare occurrence in the entire Mediterranean. Although it is not known whether there is a connection between the individuals observed in the Gulf of Trieste and the specimen seen in the Valkane Bay, such findings further confirm the importance of the northern Adriatic. In 2023, the Northern Adriatic was declared an ISRA (Important Shark and Ray Area), i.e. an area of ​​special importance for sharks and rays due to the numerous hatcheries and favorable habitats that provide shelter for young individuals and are a rich source of food. we thank Mr. Rajković for informing us about this fascinating meeting!