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Pelagos Sanctuary

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Pelagos Sanctuary

Official Page of the Pelagos Agreement. To ensure a favourable conservation status of marine mammals.

Bienvenue sur la page officielle du Sanctuaire Pelagos
Benvenuti sulla pagina ufficiale del Santuario Pelagos

30/09/2025

🌊 MEDFEST 2025 - A sustainable path

🐬 On 26 September, at 3:00 pm, our Executive Secretary, Prof. Maria Betti joined, as a speaker at Med Fest 2025, the panel “Blue Corridors: protecting marine species for a balanced ecosystem” dedicated to:
🔹 what are Blue Corridors and why are they vital for species migration and ecological connectivity;
🔹 the main threats: climate change, overfishing, pollution, maritime traffic.
🔹 species at risk: cetaceans, sea turtles, sharks, and coastal biodiversity.
🔹 key actions: Marine Protected Areas, reduction of anthropogenic pressures, international regulations, and cross-border cooperation.

👉 Together with international experts, the panel has explored practical solutions: marine protected areas, responsible tourism, plastic reduction, and international cooperation.

📍 Museo Archeologico di Olbia

29/09/2025

🌊 The Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement takes part in the Adapt-Pelagos workshop on sustainable cruising!

On 16 September 2025, at the Yacht Club de Monaco, the Permanent Secretariat participated in the thematic workshop organised within the framework of the Adapt-Pelagos project, coordinated by Plan Bleu and supported by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and ADEME.

During the event, the Executive Secretary, Prof. Maria Betti presented the High Quality Whale-Watching® label, a joint initiative of Accobams dolphin & whale conservation - dauphins & baleines and the Pelagos Agreement, designed to encourage sustainable cruising respectful of marine wildlife.
This event provided an important opportunity to strengthen international cooperation and share best practices for marine conservation and sustainable development in the Mediterranean. 🌍🐬

👉 Learn more on our website: https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/the-permanent-secretariat-takes-part-in-the-adapt-pelagos-workshop-on-sustainable-cruising-in-the-pelagos-sanctuary/

28/08/2025

🎣 What is the impact of fishing on cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary?
Together with a team from the University of Genoa, we analyzed fishing gear, high-risk areas, vulnerable species, and prey overexploitation.
Key findings:
🔹 In some zones, 94% of marine litter is fishing gear waste
🔹 Gillnets and longlines are major sources of bycatch
🔹 Bottlenose dolphins are the most affected in coastal areas
🔹 Some key prey (hake, red shrimp) are overfished
Our goal: to propose guidelines for more sustainable fishing and peaceful coexistence.

📍 Explore the full project and roadmap: https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/fisheries-and-cetaceans-in-the-pelagos-sanctuary-an-analysis-for-sustainable-coexistence/

26/08/2025

Recovery of historic munitions at sea: what to do and NOT to do
Mines, torpedoes, depth charges and other unexploded ordnance can remain on the seabed for decades. They are dangerous for both people and the environment, releasing toxic substances into the sea.

Correct actions
✅Do not touch or move the object, not even partially.
✅Immediately report to the Maritime Authorities (VHF 16 – Coast Guard / CROSSMED).
✅Keep a safe distance.
✅Provide accurate coordinates and a description of the object (size, shape, colour).

Rules for fishers
⚠It is forbidden to haul an ordnance on board and then relocate it elsewhere without authorisation.
⚠If detected before hauling the net → lower gear, tow slowly towards the port indicated by the Authorities, place the net carefully in the designated area and mark it with a buoy.
⚠If detected on board with the net closed → move leeward, close hatches, spray the ordnance with low-pressure water if smoke is visible, then follow the previous procedure.
⚠If detected after opening the net → keep away from heat/vibration sources, immediately inform the Authorities, follow their instructions and wait for the Navy bomb disposal unit.

📄 RAMOGE has produced a good practice guide to ensure safety and allow rapid intervention by the competent authorities: https://ramoge.org/en/documents/

20/08/2025

🚢 Through the Sustainable Ports in the Pelagos Sanctuary project, we assessed the environmental impacts of port operations and developed a roadmap with good practices to reduce pressure on cetaceans and their habitats.

Key outcomes:
🗺️ 255 ports and marinas mapped across the Sanctuary
🔍 Risk categories identified: noise pollution, plastics, chemical discharge
✅ Good practices reviewed: bubble curtains, waste collection systems, ultrasound bans
📘 Final recommendations structured around awareness, innovation and action

🌍 This initiative promotes a more sustainable and marine-friendly port network across the Mediterranean.

🔗 Learn more: https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/sustainable-port-activities-for-the-protection-of-setaceans-a-roadmap-for-ports-and-marinas-in-the-pelagos-sanctuary/

13/08/2025

🔬 With the support of Università di Siena, Università degli Studi di Padova, and MIRACETI, we carried out a project to assess the effects of chemical, biological, and plastic pollution on the health of cetaceans in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

The project led to:
✅ A shared monitoring protocol adopted by France, Italy, and Monaco
✅ Analysis of contaminant levels in dolphins, s***m whales, and fin whales
✅ Detection of exposure to PCBs, mercury, PFAS, and plastic additives with potential health risks
✅ Deeper understanding of microplastic ingestion risks
✅ Establishment of a common system for monitoring and data collection

📄 The results highlight real threats to marine fauna and the urgent need for coordinated action. In particular:
🔹 High exposure to immunotoxic contaminants in bottlenose and s***m whales
🔹 Evidence of neurological damage and immune vulnerability
🔹 Daily ingestion of microplastics by fin whales

🔗 Learn more:
https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/pollution-and-cetacean-health-a-pelagos-study-sheds-light-on-chemical-and-biological-risks-in-the-sanctuary/

07/08/2025

🔬 With the support of Università di Siena and Ifremer, we carried out a project to assess the current status of chemical and biological pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

The project led to:
✅ Collection and critical analysis of over 23.000 data points from scientific literature and monitoring platforms
✅ Development of contaminant maps for water, sediments, marine litter, and biota
✅ Creation of exposure risk maps for cetacean species in the Sanctuary
✅ Identification of pollution hotspots and most impacted species
✅ Publication of an informationbooklet to support dissemination and stakeholder engagement.

📄 The results highlight widespread pollution across the Sanctuary and the importance of coordinated action. In particular:
🔹 Over 70% of analysed areas show problematic levels of contamination
🔹 Bottlenose and striped dolphins are the most exposed to chemical pollutants and plastic debris
🔹 Coastal areas and submarine canyons show the highest concentration of marine litter and persistent organic pollutants

🔗 Learn more: https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/pollution-in-the-pelagos-sanctuary-a-study-to-understand-and-protect/

31/07/2025

The study commissioned by the Pelagos Agreement and conducted by the French institute Quiet-Oceans analyzed over 60 million AIS data points from 2019 to 2023, focusing on four key species: fin whale, s***m whale, Cuvier’s beaked whale, and bottlenose dolphin.

🎯 Objectives:
✔ Analyze commercial and recreational marine traffic
✔ Map the spread and intensity of anthropogenic underwater noise
✔ Assess risks linked to continuous low-frequency noise
✔ Define tools and guidelines for future conservation strategies

📈 Key Findings:
🔹 Noise generated by vessel traffic exceeds natural levels by 5–10 dB on average, with peaks over 20 dB along the busiest routes
🔹 Ro-Ro vessels, designed to transport vehicles, represent the highest collision risk; in 2023, they traveled nearly four times the distance at high speed (>15 knots) compared to recreational boats
🔹 Recreational traffic increases sharply during summer, significantly contributing to seasonal noise pollution
These results highlight the urgent need to implement mitigation measures to protect marine fauna in the Pelagos Sanctuary.

📊 A crucial step in strengthening our efforts for marine habitat conservation.

🔗 Learn more about the project and its findings: https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/a-quieter-ocean-for-the-pelagos-sanctuary-a-study-on-maritime-traffic-and-underwater-noise/

23/07/2025

How many cetaceans live in the Pelagos Sanctuary? 🐬
A new study reveals where they are, how many there are, and how to better protect them.

Read the article on our website for full details ➡️ https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/assessment-of-cetacean-abundance-distribution-and-habitat-in-the-pelagos-sanctuary-the-results/

04/07/2025

🌊 On June 16, 2025, the Pelagos Sanctuary took part in the 1st International Workshop on Ship-Whale Collisions, held in Brest (France) as part of the OCEANS 2025 conference. Dr. Anne Marie Marc, member of the Pelagos Working Group on Collisions & Maritime Transport, presented the ongoing efforts of the Pelagos Agreement to mitigate the risk of ship strikes not only within the Sanctuary area but also in the wider PSSA of the Northwestern Mediterranean, of which the Sanctuary is an integral part.

🔎 During her speech, Dr. Marc highlighted the operational approach of the Agreement, which combines international cooperation, technical tools, and awareness-raising among the maritime sector to promote safer navigation practices. The activities presented reflect a tangible commitment, soon to be documented through the publication of the results achieved.

🐬 The Sanctuary’s presence at the workshop reaffirms its central role in the protection of cetaceans and in promoting shared governance for sustainable navigation in the heart of the Mediterranean.

18/06/2025

🐬🚢 Pelagos at the International Ship/Whale Collisions Workshop – OCEANS 2025
We are proud to announce that the Pelagos Agreement will actively participate in the 1st International Workshop on Ship/Whale Collisions, with a dedicated presentation by Dr. Anne Marie Marc, member of the Pelagos working group on Shipping&Collisions, titled: “The ongoing efforts of the Pelagos Agreement in the context of the NW Mediterranean PSSA.”

📅 Monday, June 16, 2025
📍 Le Quartz, Brest, France
🌐 Held as a side event of the IEEE OCEANS 2025 Conference

🔎 Every year, thousands of whales are injured or killed by ship strikes — a serious issue that too often goes unnoticed.
This workshop aims to:
➡️ Raise awareness about ship strike impacts
➡️ Promote all detection methods and technological innovations
➡️ Encourage greater maritime responsibility and safer shipping routes
➡️ Protect these extraordinary marine mammals

🗣️ Pelagos will share its experience and commitment to cetacean conservation in the Mediterranean Sea.

05/06/2025

🌊 SAVE THE DATE 🌊
📅 June 2nd – 13th, 2025
📍 La Baleine, Palais des Expositions, Nice

Pelagos will take part in UNOC3, the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference - the world’s most important institutional gathering for the future of our oceans.
Within the immersive space “La Baleine”, an official exhibition hub of the conference, Pelagos will host a high-level event celebrating 25 years of international cooperation for marine mammal conservation.

🎤 Join us for our talk "25 Years of the Pelagos Agreement: Strengthening Cooperation for Marine Mammal Conservation"
📆 June 10, 2025
🕕 17:45 – 18:45
📍 La Baleine, Auditorium Nautilus

🐬 On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Pelagos Agreement, we want to highlight key achievements in the protection of Mediterranean marine mammals and discuss future paths for strengthening international cooperation in an increasingly fragile marine environment.
A milestone moment to reflect, share, and inspire action.

🔗 Free entry upon registration – Open to all:
👉 https://we-are-the-ocean.com/register

Download the full program ➡ https://we-are-the-ocean.com/program/10860
Join us and be part of the change!

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Mardi	09:00 - 18:00
Mercredi	09:00 - 18:00
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