Page 74 - Livre_MOW2024_EN

72 | SHARING SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS

A MAP OF ECOSYSTEMS
A HOTSPOT FOR MARINE MAMMALS
Visual monitoring, environmental DNA sampling,
underwater acoustic monitoring... The scientific The underwater canyon off the coast of Sardinia is home to 7 of the
projects carried out by One Ocean Foundation include 8 species of cetaceans usually present in the western Mediterranean,
a series of innovative and pioneering activities made including the most endangered species, such as the discreet Cuvier's
possible thanks to the support of important research beaked whale, the Risso's dolphin, the fin whale and the sperm whale,
centers such as the University of Milan -Bicocca. The but also other marine mammals such as the monk seal, one of the most
latter analyzes environmental DNA samples to monitor endangered pinnipeds on the planet.
the presence of specific substances, in particular
indications of the presence of rare species such as
the monk seal and Cuvier's whale. “We consider it
essential to prioritize the protection of cetaceans and
their habitat, particularly in the Mediterranean. Thanks
to an innovative and non-invasive interdisciplinary
approach nourished by international collaborations,
we have been committed in recent years to ensuring
the protection of this precious ecosystem,” continues
Ginevra Boldrocchi, supporting her presentation with
maps and scientific results.
“We need to understand their language in order to
write the scenario of life within the canyon which
is not the only one but which is one of the most
productive in this region”, summarizes the Italian
oceanographer Sandro Carniel associated with the
acoustic monitoring project.

Next goal? Create a marine protected area in order to
sustainably preserve the marine vitality of the site. An
event which undeniably sows a note of hope. Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus)
©Luca Bittau, Founder and President of Sea Me sardinia

“We are so lucky to be this generation capable of change:
everywhere nature is declining but we can act, and these
Hope Spots give us reasons to hope. We have a lot to learn
from cetaceans, which are the largest inhabitants on the
planet.
Humans almost eliminated the whales, which found
themselves on the brink of extinction. An intergovernmental
agreement made it possible to turn things around. Today,
the biggest threats to these large marine mammals remain
collisions, noise pollution and lack of food, not to mention
drift nets, which have nothing to do with the fishing nets
of yesteryear woven with natural and biodegradable
materials. This is why we do not want ‘paper parks’ for Hope
Spots, but strong levels of protection,” confides the famous
oceanographer Sylvia Earle, at the origin of this network of
Hope Spots. Coming to support One Ocean Foundation,
the scientist was awarded a One Ocean Foundation medal
during the event.