Record Croatian sea temperatures concern experts

Croatia

Croatia is experiencing yet another heatwave. The unbearable air temperatures are driving people to seek relief in the sea. However, this is only a partial solution, as sea temperatures are also extremely high.

For instance, yesterday in Pula, as early as 8 a.m., temperatures reached 29 degrees Celsius, the same as in Mljet, while in Rovinj, it was 28 degrees.

The highest sea temperature in Croatia since measurements began by the Croatian Meteorological and Hydrological Service (DHMZ) was recorded in July when the the sea temperature in Dubrovnik reached 29.7 degrees Celsius.

In most places on Wednesday, the sea temperature did not fallen below 27 degrees. Experts warn that such a rise in temperature will have long-term effects on all marine life.

In Zadar, swimmers are attempting to cool off in 27-degree waters. In some parts of the Adriatic, the temperature is even a few degrees higher.

“If only it were a bit cooler, but it’s still fine,” “I prefer warmer seas,” “It’s great in the morning, really refreshing, but by noon it’s already lukewarm,” are just some of the comments from swimmers.

These days, it’s a different experience for fishermen going out to sea.

“Fish are generally quite sluggish, somewhat lethargic due to the heat, much like us in the afternoon lull,” explained fisherman Boris Bulić to HRT.

Sea temperatures in the Adriatic have been recorded for around a hundred years, and over the past century, they have risen by as much as two to three degrees, even in deeper waters.

This summer, temperatures are three to five degrees above the usual average.

“This is quite alarming because it affects plant and animal life, and all of us,” said oceanographer Ivica Vilibić from the Ruđer Bošković Institute.

This is evidenced by the numerous new species of fish appearing in the Adriatic.

The warmer sea is now attracting species from warmer waters through the Suez Canal into the Eastern Mediterranean, and slowly they are making their way into the Adriatic, with some becoming native, as explained by the oceanographer.

The situation is concerning, as highlighted by a well-known Zadar meteorologist.

“There will be even more of this, and soon we’ll resemble the Red Sea or the Persian Gulf, where sea temperatures are typically 30 degrees all year round, but that will take some time,” said meteorologist Duško Kraljev.

Older residents say this is no longer the Adriatic they knew in their youth, as its rising temperature is changing everything.