# New dinosaur fossil discovery in Croatia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/new-dinosaur-fossil-discovery-in-croatia
> Updated: 2026-10-13T18:18:37.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

Scientists have identified what is believed to be the world’s first underwater dinosaur fossil site near Bale in Istria, Croatia. Located within the Datule – Barbariga paleontological reserve at depths of 1.5 to 7 meters, the remains are estimated to be approximately 130 million years old.

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

The discovery is considered unique because the current seabed was once land situated near present-day North Africa. The fossils are being transported to the Croatian Natural History Museum in Zagreb for reconstruction and intensive preparation.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-13: Istria discovery: New dinosaur species found in underwater fossil site

Scientists have discovered a unique underwater dinosaur fossil site near Bale, Croatia, containing remains of a potentially new herbivorous species dating back 130 million years.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/istria-discovery-worlds-first-underwater-dinosaur-fossils-found

### 2026-09-20: Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda discovery links South America and Africa

A new species of Triassic herbivore, Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda, has been identified from Tanzanian fossils in London, linking South American and African geological sequences.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dinodontosaurus-isiyavamanda-discovery-links-south-america-and-africa

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Cite as: New dinosaur fossil discovery in Croatia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/new-dinosaur-fossil-discovery-in-croatia