International survey begins to count whales, dolphins and sea turtles across Adriatic

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

An international scientific survey has begun across the Adriatic Sea to assess the numbers, distribution and conservation status of whales, dolphins and sea turtles.

The 8th international aerial survey of cetaceans and sea turtles in the Adriatic started on 31 July 2026 and will cover the entire Adriatic basin. The research aims to collect important data on protected marine species and support long-term monitoring of changes in marine ecosystems.

The research team began its first flights from Brindisi, Italy, covering the Otranto Strait and southern Adriatic before moving to Dubrovnik to continue surveying the southern and central Adriatic. So far, the team has completed around 40 survey flights.

Due to changing weather conditions, the research aircraft has temporarily moved to Lošinj, from where flights over the northern Adriatic will continue.

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

The project is being carried out by scientists from the Blue World Institute, Blue World Vis, and the Croatian Natural History Museum, with cooperation from Italy’s National Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (ISPRA).

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

Researchers are using an internationally recognised aerial counting method, flying along pre-defined routes spaced 15 kilometres apart. When marine animals are spotted, scientists record their distance from the flight path, allowing them to estimate population numbers across the surveyed area.

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

The Croatian part of the project is being conducted within the “Nature at Sight – Monitoring the Conservation Status of Species and Habitat Types” programme, led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition, while the Italian component forms part of national marine monitoring programmes and the LIFE MareNatura project.

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

The survey contributes to international conservation efforts under the ACCOBAMS Agreement, which coordinates research on whales and dolphins across the Mediterranean and Black Sea regions.

Scientists say that cooperation across national borders is essential because marine species do not follow political boundaries. Dolphins observed in Croatian waters can move into Italian waters within days, making joint Adriatic-wide monitoring crucial.

(Photo: Institut Plavi svijet, 2026)

Continuous research since 2010 has made the Adriatic one of the best-monitored areas in the Mediterranean for whales, dolphins and sea turtles. The latest findings will contribute to future conservation measures and international assessments of marine biodiversity.