Archipelagos

  • English
  • Ελληνικα
Who We Are
The TeamThe Team
Research BasesResearch Bases
Research BoatsResearch Boats
Our EquipmentOur Equipment
PartnersPartners
SupportersSupporters
Fields of Action
Marine ConservationMarine Conservation Fisheries Shipping Risks Seagrass Meadows Coralligene Conservation Littoral Ecosystems Invasive Species Jellyfish Sea Turtles
Marine MammalsMarine Mammals Dolphins and Porpoises Whales Seals
Terrestrial ConservationTerrestrial Conservation Island Fauna Forests & Flora Freshwater Ecosystems Aegean Seed Bank
Laboratory ResearchLaboratory Research Microplastics Water Analysis Soil Quality
Projects
Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary
Eco-Navigation
FIsh4Life
Save the Aegean
Join Us
Internships in the Aegean
Remote Internships
Interns Experiences
Field Courses
News
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Tragedy in Turkey and Syria
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
Cuvier’s Beaked Whale
View All...
Contact us
Publications
Videos
Awareness Material
Donate
Menu

Mass stranding of Cuvier’s beaked whales in Corfu

Mass stranding of Cuvier’s beaked whales in Corfu

by Archipelagos / Monday, 12 December 2011 / Published in Marine Mammals, Military Exercises, Press Releases

A mass stranding of Cuvier’s beaked whales took place on the western coastline of Corfu (an island in the Ionian Sea, Greece) on the 30th of November, and stranded whales kept reaching the shore in subsequent days and weeks. The whales found in the days that followed the initial mass stranding event, were in an advanced state of decomposition, which strongly suggests these whales died of the same causes as the group that died on the 30th of November.

The number of whales officially recorded dead is thirteen, but according to local authorities and the reports of sightings that they and Archipelagos have received, the actual number of dead whales may be far greater, and may even exceed 50 individuals. However, this has not been officially confirmed, because strong NW winds prevailing at the time made it very difficult to reach many of the reported coastal sites.

On the 30th of November local residents initially encountered beached whales that were still alive. Lacking the necessary experience to effectively respond to the situation, they tried their best to rescue these mammals by getting them to deeper waters. Unfortunately, once the animals were a mile or so off shore, they once again returned to shore, beached, and eventually died. (Attempted rescues to return marine mammals to deeper waters are ideally only carried out by experts and only when the circumstances permit—otherwise a re-beaching or drowning almost always occurs).

Archipelagos Institute for Marine Conservation has received tissue samples from the deceased beached whales thanks to our colleagues in Corfu. With the purpose of determining the potential cause of this mass stranding, these tissue samples have been sent to specialised laboratories abroad for toxicological and DNA analysis.

The Cuvier’s beaked whale is a species that is particularly sensitive to disorientation by low and medium SONAR frequencies. Navy ships use these sonar frequencies for identification and detection, so could be a potential cause of this mass stranding event. Investigation has brought no evidence of NATO or Greek military exercises in the wider area at the time. However, there is information showing that military exercises were undertaken by the Italian Navy between the 27th of November and the 2nd of December in the southern Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Although no proof, there is reasonable suspicion of a link between these military exercises and this tragic mass stranding event.

It should also be mentioned that there are plans to carry-out seismic surveys for hydrocarbons in the seas of western Greece. In this particular case, there is no indication any such activity was related. However, when such activities are planned to take place in the region, the potential devastating impacts that they could cause to already declining marine mammal populations should be seriously considered.

Cuvier’s beaked whales are a pelagic species that have inhabited the Greek seas and the Mediterranean for thousands of years. They are a relatively small sized whale that reaches an average length of 7 metres. Either individually or in pairs, but rarely in small pods, Cuvier’s beaked whales usually remain within marine areas where deep underwater trenches are found. Before this event there had been no evidence of such a large aggregation of the species in this area of the Ionian Sea. This adds new and valuable information to better understanding this mammal.

The mass stranding is, without doubt, a very worrying incident. Considering that the cause of death is almost certainly linked to human activity, this event should be a great cause for concern within the scientific community, the relevant national and EU authorities, as well as international organizations committed to the conservation of the species.

The scientific community and the regional international organization ACCOBAMS (Agreement for the Protection of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and contiguous Atlantic area) must take this event seriously, and thoroughly investigate the cause of the mass stranding to prevent such a disaster re-occurring. We must also advocate that Mediterranean countries adopt legally binding measures for the protection of Cetaceans in the Mediterranean.

Archipelagos, already moving in this direction, is collecting all available data from the incidence in Corfu, and has been in contact with legal experts from Europe and the US with the aim to identify the most efficient legal approach that ought to be taken for the resolution of this problem.

Archipelagos will continue to explore this case and will be providing updates of any significant developments regarding the cause of death of these rare mammals.

0
0
0
0
0

What you can read next

The new boat of Archipelagos Institute
End the blind spending of EU fisheries subsidies
Urgent Call for the Protection of the Essential Fish Habitats in the Adriatic Sea

HIGHLIGHTS

  • International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    International Visitors at the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary Project

    1 June 2021
    At Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation an important visit took …
  • The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    The Efkranti Award was Granted to the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation

    27 July 2020
    It was a great honor but also great moral support …
  • The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    The President of the Hellenic Republic’s visit to Archipelagos research vessel, the Aegean Explorer

    30 June 2020
    Yesterday, during the President of the Republic’s visit to the …
  • Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    Award to Archipelagos: Best Heroic Act of Environmental Stewardship

    19 February 2020
    The Short Documentary Film presenting the Aegean Marine Life Sanctuary, …
  • Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    Award to Archipelagos Institute from the International Propeller Club of the United States

    6 February 2020
    We would like to thank the International Propeller Club of …

Recent Posts

  • Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    Mass stranding of 12 Cuvier’s beaked whale on the North-West coast of Cyprus

    15 February 2023
    Twelve Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) have been found stranded, …
  • Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    Tragedy in Turkey and Syria

    15 February 2023
    Our past week of silence across social media amounts to …
  • Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    Interactive Activities for the Protection of the Sea

    23 December 2022
    Before the closing of schools for Christmas break, students from …
  • Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale

    20 December 2022
    Cuvier’s Beaked Whale in the waters of the North Aegean …
  • From dawn in the open sea

    From dawn in the open sea

    8 December 2022
    From dawn in the open sea, having 2-3 hours until …
  • Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    Archipelagos in the 8th Meeting of the Members of ACCOBAMS

    2 December 2022
    The 8th meeting of the members of ACCOBAMS (Agreement for …
  • The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    The International School of the Sea – Action Continues during the Winter Months

    1 December 2022
    As winter is approaching, Archipelagos’ International School of the Sea …

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation is committed to researching and defending the biodiversity of the Greek seas and islands.

Our action is possible only with your help!

donate
  • Contact us
  • Placements

Archipelagos - Institute of Marine Conservation © All Rights Reserved || Web Design and Development by Red Web Design & Fekas Brothers

TOP