Study of cetacean populations in the Mediterranean/ Barcelona/Balearic Islands strip

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Main researcher: Eduard Degollada (EDMAKTUB)

Description:
The lack of systematic data regarding the presence of cetacean populations in Catalan waters during the last decade has a negative impact on the conservation of these species in our seas. The partial data provided from animals running aground is not sufficient to establish definite patterns in terms of species that are present, areas that are of most importance, and especially for describing an exhaustive catalogue of threats that compromise the conservation of these species of marine mammals.

In addition, there is currently great interest on the part of central and regional governments to identify marine areas of special interest as well as the most intense threats to populations of marine mammals that inhabit the coastal waters of the entire the Iberian Peninsula.

This project proposes the implementation of specific systematic cetological exploration campaigns in the Catalan area of the Mediterranean and specifically within the strip between the province of Barcelona and the Balearic Islands, with a commitment to run in the long-term. The main scientific objective is to obtain information in order to increase the limited knowledge available about the different species of cetaceans that inhabit our waters and particularly those classified as being at greater threat - such as bottlenose dolphin or others that are present but unknown, such as the sperm whale or fin whale.

Sponsors of Research and preservation of the Zoo: