Accobams dolphin & whale conservation - dauphins & baleines

14/09/2026

The data from the first ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative (ASI-I) confirmed that bottlenose dolphins are primarily found in shallower waters, with areas of particularly high abundance including the Strait of Gibraltar and the Alborán Sea, the Balearic Sea, the Gulf of Lion, the northern Adriatic Sea, and the Strait of Sicily.

The knowledge generated through ASI-I also contributed to improving our understanding of the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin population and supported conservation and management efforts across the region.

Bottlenose dolphins still face significant human-induced threats, including bycatch, prey depletion, and habitat degradation. Some local populations remain at high risk, like the small subpopulation in Greece's Gulf of Ambracia, with fewer than 250 mature individuals, is classified as Critically Endangered.

This is why aerial and vessel teams are currently surveying the Mediterranean as part of the second ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative ( ). By collecting updated data, ASI-II will help us better understand these populations and strengthen conservation efforts across the region.

ASI-II serves one purpose: better knowledge today for better conservation tomorrow.

04/09/2026

For weeks, as part of the campaign, dedicated teams of aerial observers have been conducting surveys across the Mediterranean to collect data on marine species and human activities.

Today, we're taking a closer look at the aerial survey protocol!

Flying at approximately 600 feet (180 m) above the sea, the aircrafts follow pre-designed track lines, or transects, within the ACCOBAMS survey areas.

On board, each team consists of a pilot and three scientists. While two observers scan the sea for marine wildlife and human activity through the bubble windows on either side of the aircraft, the navigator records environmental conditions, survey effort, and sighting data using dedicated software, while ensuring that flight parameters comply with survey protocols.

After each flight, the data are verified using audio recordings of the scientists' observations and exchanges made during the survey. This rigorous validation process provides a robust dataset that will serve as a key foundation for estimating the distribution and abundance of cetaceans across the region.

03/09/2026

On Wednesday, 2 September, the ACCOBAMS Secretariat and its partners brought together representatives from the yacht and leisure boating sector, regulatory bodies, and conservation experts for a dedicated webinar on reducing the sector’s environmental impacts.

Panellists shared their expertise on the ways shipping activity affects cetaceans, as well as on initiatives emerging from the yachting sector to reduce its environmental footprint.

The webinar marks the prelude to a dedicated workshop that will take place on 5 October as part of the Genoa Boat Show and will explore ways to turn these insights into concrete policy recommendations.

The initiative is part of the ShiPrint project, supported by the Pelagos Initiative, which aims to support the implementation of Associated Protective Measures (APMs) in the North-Western Mediterranean PSSA, with the Pelagos Sanctuary serving as a pilot area.

The ACCOBAMS Secretariat wishes to thank its partners for making this webinar possible and looks forward to continuing the dialogue at the in-person event in Genoa.

28/08/2026

The Song of the Whale research vessel set sail from Vilamoura, Portugal, in early June to begin its surveys across the Mediterranean Sea and the contiguous Atlantic area.

From the Alboran Sea to the Gulf of Lion, the vessel had already covered more than 7,600 km of survey effort by the time it called at the port of Monaco in early August.

Whenever sea conditions and regulations allowed, the team also conducted passive acoustic surveys using a towed array of hydrophones deployed approximately 400 metres behind the vessel. By early August, the Song of the Whale had completed more than 4,000 km of on-track acoustic effort.

During this period, the research vessel recorded more than 20 sightings of s***m whales and fin whales. Combined with visual observations, analysis of the acoustic data - which can detect deep-diving cetaceans both day and night - will be instrumental in assessing the distribution and abundance of cetaceans across the region.

27/08/2026

Collaboration is at the heart of the campaign.

In the Adriatic Sea, aerial surveys are being supported by a strong network of partners, including ISPRA through the LIFE MareNatura project and Italy's activities under the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), as well as the Republic of Croatia through its national monitoring programme implemented by the Blue World Institute and Blue World Vis.

Their commitment contributes significantly to the second edition of the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative and demonstrates the importance of regional cooperation for the conservation of marine biodiversity across the Mediterranean.

We are proud to work alongside such dedicated partners and thank all teams involved for their continued support of ASI-II.

25/08/2026

Over two months ago, the first team of aerial observers launched their surveys, marking the beginning of the field campaign.
Since then, survey teams have been working across the Mediterranean Sea, collecting valuable data to support the conservation of cetaceans and other marine species throughout the region.

This large-scale regional effort brings together experts and observers from across the Mediterranean, contributing to a better understanding of marine biodiversity and supporting future conservation actions.

With the photos shared by our aerial teams we wish the teams still conducting surveys across the region every success in the weeks ahead!

06/08/2026

06/08/2026

The research vessel Song of the Whale recently made a stop in the Principality of Monaco, providing a unique opportunity to highlight international cooperation for the conservation of Mediterranean cetaceans.

On this occasion, the ACCOBAMS Secretariat, in collaboration with the Yacht Club de Monaco, organized a conference dedicated to the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative II ( ).

Participants had the opportunity to discover the objectives and progress of the initiative through valuable first-hand accounts:
✈️ An aerial survey team leader shared insights into the challenges and achievements of monitoring cetaceans from the sky.
🌊 A crew member from the Song of the Whale presented the experience of conducting vessel-based surveys at sea.

The conference also featured the Scientific Coordinator of ASI-II, who highlighted the crucial role of these large-scale coordinated surveys in improving scientific knowledge on cetacean populations and providing the robust data needed to guide effective conservation and management measures across the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

04/08/2026

The Song of the Whale recently made a stop in the Principality of Monaco, marking an important milestone in the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative II ( ).

During this stopover, the ACCOBAMS Secretariat, in collaboration with the Yacht Club of Monaco, hosted a conference dedicated to the ASI-II campaign, highlighting the importance of large-scale scientific cooperation to improve our knowledge of cetacean populations across the Mediterranean and Black Seas.

The research vessel has now set sail for Calvi, Corsica, with the ACCOBAMS Executive Secretary and the ASI-II Scientific Coordinator on board, where the next phase of this ambitious survey will continue.

Every nautical mile covered brings us one step closer to strengthening the scientific knowledge needed to better protect cetaceans and their habitats.

31/07/2026

Today, we're sharing the perspectives of three scientific observers who recently took part in the campaign aboard the Song of the Whale research vessel.

Alongside around 40 ACCOBAMS experts involved in the vessel-based survey, they contributed to visual observations and, whenever possible, acoustic monitoring, helping collect valuable information on cetaceans, marine wildlife and marine litter across the Mediterranean.

In this short series, they explain what participating in ASI-II means to them, from the unforgettable encounters at sea to the importance of better understanding and protecting our marine environment.

A huge thank you to all scientific observers, vessel crews and partners whose commitment makes the ASI-II campaign possible !