Croatian scientists confirm 2023 shark catch was a great white

A scientific debate over the species of a young shark caught in the Adriatic Sea near Rogoznica, Croatia, has been settled. Initially identified as a great white shark ('Carcharodon carcharias'), a protected Mediterranean species, the identification was challenged by another researcher who proposed it was an Atlantic porbeagle ('Lamna nasus').

“

Critical and well-argued comments are an important part of scientific discourse, as scientific knowledge must be open to expert review and discussion.

To resolve the dispute, the Institute for Oceanography and Fisheries collaborated with an international team of great white shark experts. They meticulously re-analyzed all available photographs and data. Their findings, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, clearly indicate that the caught specimen aligns with the characteristics of a young great white shark.

The researchers noted that the initial criticism focused too narrowly on tooth characteristics, neglecting other crucial body parts. They emphasized that species identification should not rely on a single feature, especially for young individuals whose appearance changes with age. While tooth serrations can be variable in young great whites, other features like the dorsal fin shape, pectoral fin markings, proportions of the head and eyes, and the lack of a white tip on the dorsal fin (common in porbeagles) all point towards a great white shark.

“

In the Adriatic, where encounters with great white sharks are extremely rare, citizen photos and information can be a valuable source of data, but only if they undergo careful expert verification.

This case underscores the value of public contributions to marine science, particularly in areas like the Adriatic where great white shark encounters are rare. However, it also stresses the necessity of stringent scientific scrutiny for such data to ensure accuracy in monitoring and protecting vulnerable marine populations.

“

Scientists point out that species should not be determined by a single characteristic, especially in young individuals whose appearance changes as they grow.