Tracking the fin whale and the sperm whale in the Mediterranean
Where are the great marine animals of the Mediterranean, such as the fin whale, the sperm whale or the bottlenose dolphin? How does their distribution change over a few weeks? All indications suggest that these species shift between marine areas in a remarkably short time and over relatively small spatial scales. Some species, such as the striped dolphin, maintain a relatively stable presence in…
Marine biologists in the Mediterranean are tracking the movements of fin whales, sperm whales, and other large sea creatures using a unique approach. They are utilizing commercial ferry routes as observation platforms, collecting data on the presence and distribution of marine megafauna. Over a three-week period, three scientific campaigns observed 707 instances of marine wildlife, primarily focusing on eight cetacean species and two sea turtle species.
While the striped dolphin was consistently observed over a wide area, the fin whale's distribution varied significantly between routes. Sea turtle sightings, specifically loggerhead turtles, were most frequently recorded but showed a decline in numbers over the observation period. This data can help develop models to assess potential risks from maritime traffic, ultimately contributing to the conservation of Mediterranean marine biodiversity.
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