Progress report for
ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative: a challenging macro synoptic regional assessment of cetaceans populations for the benefit of regional conservation and economic actors
Achievement at a glance
In response to the crucial need of data on the status of cetacean populations, ACCOBAMS coordinated the first ever large-scale survey of marine species in the Mediterranean Sea during the summer 2018. A first step before the Black Sea cetacean survey.<br>
<br>After over a year of intense preparation and multiple consultations with each Mediterranean country, the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative data collection was limited to summer 2018, to facilitate a synoptic coverage of the whole Mediterranean Sea in the same time window. Aerial surveys were complemented by ship-based visual and acoustic surveys, to collect data on deep diving cetaceans species and to survey waters where it was not possible to use airplanes. The ASI also offered a unique opportunity to gather data on other marine species such as sea turtles, giant devil rays, sharks, sea birds, but also on marine litter and underwater noise.
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<br>The ASI demonstrated the importance and value of large-scale surveys to bring essential knowledge and robust data on vulnerable marine species and human impacts on the marine environment, including in areas that are usually hardly accessible and for which there is little information available.
<br>A key aspect of the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative is its unique capacity building component that is being implemented in collaboration with the UN Environments Regional Activity Center for Specially Protected Areas (RAC/SPA): scientists from all participating countries are being trained on cetacean observation techniques and will be able to apply these skills during monitoring activities in their countries .
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<br>As part of the ASI, several awareness events were also organized throughout the summer during the R/V Song of the Whales stop-overs in ports. Over a hundred children had the chance to visit the boat, discover the life of scientists and observers on-board, and learn about the importance of protecting cetacean populations.
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Challenges faced in implementation
The effort required the involvement of 20 countries and relevant ministries, the mobilization of over 100 scientists from the entire region and 30 partnering organizations, 8 small planes specially equiped with bubble windows and 6 research boats. While representing a significant organizational challenge with a variety of situations to address, from scientific issues, fieldwork urgencies, particularly difficult weather to logistical and administrative constraints in a geopolitically complex region, the ASI Mediterranean survey proved to be a unique successful example of international collaboration and a real success.Beneficiaries
Generally, the beneficiaries are local, national and international stakeholders who are involved in maintaining/restoring the conservation status of cetaceans and other marine species, as well as socioeconomic entities whose habits and activities are likely to have positive or negative impacts on maintaining the conservation status of cetaceans and other marine species.
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<br>Specifically, the ASI projects will benefit to:
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<br>- ACCOBAMS Party and non Party countries, at the project aims to support national efforts to meet their commitments under the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Ecosystem Approach implemented by the Barcelona Convention (UNEP/MAP).
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<br>- Scientific and environmental communities involved in cetacean conservation (Universities, Research institutes, NGOs, whale watching companies, etc. who will benefit from the ASI collected Data, the results of the analysis and the application of proposed recommendations. ASI results will also be a source of multiple research publications. Additionally, Scientists and experts from local and national conservation or research organizations benefits from the capacity-building component of the ASI, increasing their skills in cetaceans monitoring.
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<br>- the general public, including the Youth, as the ASI include a strong awareness and communication component that lead to implement in particular communication small actions at local levels (exhibition, open public conference, schools events and sessions etc.). As well
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Actions
See above<br>
<br>Capcity building provided will ensure Member States capapcity to pursue the monitoring effort of these vulnerable species.