The Project
Whale & Dolphin Research in the Ligurian Sea, Italy

The Ligurian Sea has deep-water and shelf-slope habitats, suitable for the breeding and foraging needs of the entire complement of cetacean species found in the Western Mediterranean Sea. It holds one of the highest concentrations of whales and dolphins found in the Mediterranean Sea, with as many as eight resident cetacean species. Unfortunately, it is also affected by severe anthropogenic impact, the faunal diversity coexisting with very high levels of human pressure.

In order to preserve the exceptional biodiversity of the area, in 2002 the creation of a Cetacean Sanctuary was ratified by Monaco, France and Italy. Although to this day the area has seen little changes in terms of management, the agreement represents an important step forward towards the final goal of ensuring protection to cetaceans living in the area.

To provide a scientific basis for management recommendations to the policy makers, the final goal of the Cetacean Sanctuary Research project in the area is to gain a basic understanding of this complex ecosystem. Intense research activities conducted in this region have also been raising remarkable public awareness.

The project works in collaboration and within the legal framework of the UNEP’s Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area.