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18 | STRENGTHENING OCEAN GOVERNANCE

Hélène Labach
Marine biologist specialising in the common
bottlenose dolphin and Director of MIRACETI,
a Mediterranean association formed through
the merging of three pre-existing organisations
and now recognised for its extensive,
multidisciplinary expertise in the study
and conservation of cetaceans.

What has the Pelagos Sanctuary achieved in its How would you define the unique impact of the
25-year history? Pelagos Sanctuary?
The Pelagos Sanctuary is a pioneering area that The Pelagos Sanctuary acts as a catalyst for
has expanded our knowledge of Mediterranean projects, either directly or because it attracts
cetaceans and enabled targeted regulations to investors and project leaders. As a result, more
be introduced, like the ban on approaching the projects are developed within the sanctuary, which
mammals within a distance of 100 meters in then inspire and benefit neighbouring regions.
French marine protected areas, a measure that Certain conservation measures were piloted inside
has been extended to all territorial waters in the the sanctuary before being rolled out nationally.
Mediterranean. The sanctuary was also the driving But once measures have been implemented at
force behind measures like the High Quality Whale- national or regional level, the sanctuary’s role in
Watching Certificate developed by ACCOBAMS, driving regulation becomes less obvious. This is
the agreement on the conservation of cetaceans particularly true because no specific regulations
in the Mediterranean Sea and Black Sea. govern the sanctuary itself, as it is not strictly
Furthermore, under French biodiversity law, it is speaking a marine protected area or national
now mandatory for all vessels over 24 meters long park. The term ‘sanctuary’ is misleading: people
entering the Pelagos Sanctuary or Agoa Sanctuary hear ‘sanctuary’ and imagine a place where
in the French West Indies more than 10 times a year everything is banned, whereas it is actually a three-
to have an anti-collision system installed. Another country agreement. So the sanctuary’s impact is
measure instigated by the Pelagos Agreement is considerable, but not always visible.
the ban on or limiting of offshore speedboat racing
in different parts of the sanctuary.
Cetacean research in the sanctuary has developed
significantly. Here at MIRACETI, we frequently The Pelagos Initiative, launched in 2021, also
carry out work in the sanctuary, which since the announced a new call for projects focusing on
2000s has generated much scientific research climate change and its impact on the Pelagos
and fostered measures to preserve and protect Sanctuary, in partnership with the UBS Optimus
cetaceans. Foundation, UBS Monaco and the Prince Albert II
of Monaco Foundation.