Big beast: Sea devil caught off the Croatian island of Žirje

Fishermen off the Croatian island of Žirje have caught a large manta ray, dubbed “the sea devil,” during a tuna fishing expedition. The incident occurred on August 17, 2026, near Šibenik, in the Adriatic Sea. According to reports from local media, this was the second such encounter with a manta ray in a short period, highlighting an unusual increase in sightings among fishermen in the region. The manta ray, identified as a species known locally as the “sea devil,” can grow to a width of up to seven meters and weigh over two tons. It is one of the largest rays in the world, yet it poses little threat to humans due to its diet primarily consisting of plankton. Fishermen described the creature as unusually large, noting that it had been spotted frequently in the area within the past 20 days. This has led to speculation about environmental changes affecting marine life in the Adriatic. Anton Roca, a fisherman who participated in the catch, confirmed that his crew managed to capture the manta ray using a specialized technique requiring considerable effort and caution. They spent over an hour and a half carefully extracting the animal from the water, ensuring it remained unharmed. Once safely back in the ocean, the manta ray was released without injury. Roca emphasized the importance of handling such creatures with care, given their protected status under conservation laws. Similar encounters have been reported in nearby areas, including the town of Pula, where another manta ray was observed earlier in the week. One swimmer captured footage of the sighting, which has since circulated online. These incidents suggest a possible shift in migratory patterns or increased population density of manta rays in the region, though experts remain cautious about drawing definitive conclusions. Manta rays belong to the family Mobulidae and are often mistaken for sharks due to their size and shape. However, they lack the dangerous barbed spines found on some other ray species, making them relatively safe for human interaction. Despite their imposing appearance, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems by controlling plankton populations. Environmental organizations have expressed interest in these findings, suggesting that increased sightings could indicate broader ecological shifts. While no immediate threats to local fisheries or coastal communities have been reported, ongoing monitoring is recommended to better understand the implications of these developments. As more data becomes available, scientists hope to determine whether this trend represents a temporary anomaly or part of a larger pattern influencing marine biodiversity in the Adriatic.