Workshop: Fin whales research and conservation in the Mediterranean Sea

Cádiz, Sunday 20th March 2011, 08:00-16:30


25th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society  ( www. europeancetaceansociety.eu)

Cádiz, Spain, 21st to 23rd March 2011

Background

The 2006 IUCN/ACCOBAMS Workshop assessed the status of the Mediterranean fin whales as “Data Deficient” according to the IUCN Red List criteria; an updated assessment was submitted in 2010 suggesting Vulnerable as classification. Since this evaluation, new data are available on this large cetacean specie.

Recent research projects on fin whales (e.g. population identity from Castellote 2009, Spanish network of MPAs LIFE+ INDEMARES 2009-2013, aerial surveys in the Ligurian Sea from Panigada and Lauriano, satellite tagging, update on fin whales genetics since Bérubé 1998, ship strike Panigada 2006…) would allow a better evaluation of the status of this species in the Mediterranean Sea.

 For these highly migratory species, moving over national and international waters, creating integrated basin-wide conservation plan and monitoring programme is essential to develop and implement proper conservation measures.

 This workshop will aim to review and summarize the current knowledge on the ecology, presence and distribution of fin whales in the ACCOBAMS area in order to define the current gaps that are critical for its proper conservation. Distribution ranges, seasonal movements or migration, population estimates and structure, habitat use, behavior and conservation threats will be addressed.  All different topics will be discussed, evaluated and framed within the needs of the managing agencies of Mediterranean Countries (ACCOBAMS, EU (Marine Strategy Framework Directive), etc.). Gaps in the knowledge on the ecology of fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea will be identified and listed, based on their priority for conservation management. Funding and research needs to cover these identified gaps will be defined in an effort to promote coordination between Mediterranean countries, Institutes  and researchers.

 Objectives:

• Review and update the knowledge on fin whales in the Mediterranean Sea 
• Identify data gaps and research needed.
• Draw the baseline of a Mediterranean collaboration and data exchange network on large cetacean
• Draft integrated conservation and management plans for the whole basin.

 Expected Outcome: final report including the following items:

1. A list of experts by research topic, as well as conservation managers from different countries, related to the conservation of fin whales in the Mediterranean basin,
2. The list of identified gaps and their priority for conservation management,
3. The definition of funding and research needs
4. A joint work plan for coordinated research in the ACCOBAMS area
5. Draft integrated conservation and management plans for the whole Mediterranean basin.

Number of participants: 30-40 pers. Full day.

Organisers: Pauline Gauffier, Simone Panigada, Manolo Castellote and Renaud de Stephanis

email: panigada@inwind.it