Deep diving cetacean and other species on the north sector of the Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor

The Protected Marine Area “Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor” includes 46.000 km² between East Spain, Catalonia and Balearic Islands, being one of the most extended Mediterranean areas. That is why it is so important to collect data which helps to know more about density, movement, seasonality and the use of the cetacean habitat in the area.

In 2010, within the framework of Life+INDEMARES project, SUBMON carried out a study of cetaceans. It aimed at bringing more information to the inventory of cetaceans included in Natura 2000 network from Cañón de Creus area.

The north area of the Corridor adjoined to “Natura 2000- LIC “ESZZ16001- System of submarine occidental canyons from Gulf of Leon”, was identified during the project Life INDEMARES as a possible deep diving cetacean feeding area, more specifically the sperm whale feeding area. The AHAB project wants to confirm the zone as relevant for the diet and connectivity between these cetaceans from the corridor area and the population from the north-east of Balearic Islands. The data will also be useful to estimate the abundance and to create generalized linear models (GLM) about other deep diving species in the area, so we enhance the value of the “Mediterranean Cetacean Migration Corridor” area as an important area for cetacean species.

This project is supported by Fundacion Biodiversidad.