15/09/2026
🐋🌊 Within the PhD program of the University of Turin and the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station, we are happy to share the last result of Sara Ferri: 'Exploring Cetacean Biodiversity in the Shisiwani National Park', which has been published in Marine Mammal Science.
🎧 Using passive acoustic monitoring through a fixed underwater hydrophone, we recorded the marine soundscape of this poorly explored area for five months.
Our acoustic analysis revealed an extraordinary biodiversity hotspot characterised by the constant presence of delphinids and the occasional passage of deep-diving odontocetes, such as s***m whales.
🐳 Our most significant finding concerns mysticetes: the area plays a crucial role as a winter migratory corridor for these species, as evidenced by the frequent occurrence of Humpback and Blue Whale songs, alongside the documentation of less common species such as Sei Whales and Antarctic Minke Whales.
⚠️ However, the research also highlighted significant anthropogenic pressure. Ship noise was the dominant sound source in the area, accounting for over 40% of the analysed recordings.
🔊 This acoustic pollution frequently overlaps with cetacean vocalisations, producing a masking effect that can severely affect their communication and behaviour.
🌊 This study provides the first acoustic baseline for the area and highlights the urgent need to integrate underwater noise monitoring into the conservation strategies of this recently established Marine Protected Area.
PhD, funded through a SUSTNET PhD Scholarship co-funded by the Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn.
📖 The full study is available (Open Access) at this link:
https://doi.org/10.1111/mms.70236
