Istria discovery: New dinosaur species found in underwater fossil site

An international team of scientists has discovered what is believed to be the world’s first underwater dinosaur fossil site near Bale in Istria, Croatia. The remains, estimated to be approximately 130 million years old, were found within the Datule – Barbariga paleontological reserve at depths ranging from 1.5 to 7 meters.

Preliminary analyses suggest the fossils belong to a previously unknown species of large, long-necked herbivorous dinosaur, likely a sauropod. Researchers have recovered portions of the cervical vertebrae, ribs, and lumbar bones. Paleontologist Matthew Lamanna noted that the presence of trabeculae—tiny pores in the bone—confirms the specimens are biological remains rather than mere stones.

The discovery is significant because the current seabed was once land located near present-day North Africa. The fossils will be transported to the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb for intensive preparation and reconstruction. This site is described by experts as unique, as such underwater dinosaur deposits have not been recorded elsewhere in the world.