The first comprehensive whale and dolphin survey of the whole Mediterranean Sea begins this week, with a launch event hosted by the IUCN in Malaga on World Ocean’s Day, 8th June.
The Mediterranean and Black Seas are home to 12 regularly reported species of whales and dolphins; human pressures on these semi-enclosed seas are intense, over 30% of the World’s maritime traffic crosses the Mediterranean, and fishing activities and pollution pose additional threats to the cetaceans that live there.
The aims of the ASI are to optimise cetacean monitoring efforts in the long term, build capacity for scientists and national experts in the region, and ultimately improve regional cooperation to support international commitments to protect the marine biodiversity of the ACCOBAMS Agreement area.
Follow the international team on board R/V Song of the Whale as they join the ASI teams to search the Mediterranean from west to east this summer, documenting the presence and distribution of whales and dolphins, and other marine species, as well as marine litter.
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