Story | 28 Oct, 2015

Continuing efforts to enhance cetaceans’ conservation in the Mediterranean and Black Seas

From 22-24 October 2015, IUCN-Med attended the Agreement for the Conservation of cetaceans of the Black and Mediterranean Seas and Atlantic contiguous waters (ACCOBAMS) 10th meeting of its Scientific Committee, which took place in Nice (France), to present all the conservation efforts developed throughout the year and to prepare the relevant recommendations for adoption at the next Meeting of Parties, to be held in Monaco, on 22-25 November 2016.

Short-beaked Common Dolphins - Endangered

Photo: Giovanni Bearzi Tethys

Marine mammals and sea turtles of the Mediterranean and Black Seas

Photo: IUCN-Med

The issues discussed include, the conservation status of particular cetacean species, such as the Killer whale (Orcinus orca); the revision of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species for some cetacean species that fall under the Data Deficient category; the need for further research, in particular for the development of a common regional initiative on the evaluation of the cetacean populations in the ACCOBAMS area (ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative); and finally, the measures to be taken for management of the most important disturbances for the cetaceans, e.g. debris at sea, physical (noise) and chemical pollution, and tourism related activities (whale watching).

For further information: Alain Jeudy

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ACCOBAMS