Dear All,

We would like to inform you that the new paper on preliminary findings on Cuvier’s beaked whale mass stranding in Northern Cyprus has been published in the J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment.

The pdf copy is available online via the following link.

Tonay, A.M., Aytemiz Danyer, I., Taşkaya, İ., Danyer, E., Öznur, N., Dede, A., Gülçubuk, A., Yüzbaşıoğlu Öztürk, G., Hacıoğlu, S., Çanakcı, T., Amaha Öztürk, A. 2024. Preliminary findings on Cuvier’s beaked whale mass stranding in Northern Cyprus. Journal of the Black Sea/Mediterranean Environment 30 (1): 1-19. https://blackmeditjournal.org/vol-30-2024/vol-30-2024-no-1/preliminary-findi...

Abstract

Cuvier’s beaked whales, Ziphius cavirostris, one of the regular cetacean species of the Mediterranean Sea, are affected by underwater noise, mainly shipping, naval exercise and seismic operations worldwide. Between 9 February - 6 March 2023 but mostly in 9-10 February, at least 13 beaked whales stranded in the northwest and west of the Cyprus Island in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. This study presents the preliminary findings of necropsy, histopathology and virology of six individuals and compiles information on the present human threats in the region at the time of the incident. Histopathological findings did not provide a clear result. However, intense congestion was seen in both macroscopic and histopathological examinations. The presence of undigested fresh squid in the stomach is an indicator of sudden death. Besides, intravascular gas bubbles in macroscopic examination were in line with the general findings in previous studies on beaked whale strandings after they had died due to military exercises. As a precautionary approach, activities generating impulsive underwater noise need to follow the ACCOBAMS Mitigation Guideline and if not they should halt particularly in areas where cetaceans presence is known. In a further note, all the Parties of ACCOBAMS are expected to refrain from conducting naval exercises involving sonar or underwater bursts near "Areas of Particular Concern for Beaked Whales", taking into account the ACCOBAMS resolution 5.13 of 2013 and urges the implementation of underwater noise mitigation strategies in the fragile habitats of the eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Regards

Arda

*Arda M. TONAY Ph.D*

*Faculty of Aquatic Sciences, Istanbul University*

*Marine Biology Dep.*

*Kalenderhane Mah. Onaltı Mart Şehitleri Cad. No: 2*

*Fatih 34134 İstanbul, Türkiye*

*Tel: +90 212 440 0000/20159 Fax: +90 212 **440 0232*

*atonay@istanbul.edu.tr <atonay@istanbul.edu.tr> http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/ <http://subilimleri.istanbul.edu.tr/>*

*Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV)*

*P.O. Box 10 Beykoz, 34820 İstanbul, Türkiye*

*Tel: +90 216 424 0772 Fax: +90 216 424 0771*

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