Denia Becomes Key Observation Point For Europe’s Second Largest Whale

Nearly 120 fin whales person been recorded disconnected nan seashore of Denia arsenic portion of an ongoing technological study by marine researchers from nan Universitat Politecnica de Valencia (UPV).

The sightings, confirmed connected Friday July 19, are portion of nan CaboRorcual project, which monitors nan yearly migration of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) towards nan Atlantic Ocean. These animals, nan 2nd largest type connected Earth aft nan bluish whale, are known for their awesome size, slender grey bodies and singular speed—earning them nan nickname “greyhounds of nan sea”.

Although they are much commonly seen betwixt June and July, passive acoustic monitoring suggests that fin whales are coming successful these waters passim nan year. The study has documented up to 120 individual whales moving southbound betwixt April and October, peculiarly on nan coastlines of Denia and Cabo de San Antonio.

Researchers opportunity nan whales are utilizing migratory corridors adjacent Cabo de la Nao and Cabo de San Antonio, areas not presently covered by protected marine zones. This raises concerns astir vessel strikes and sound pollution, particularly adjacent engaged ports for illustration Denia.

Using drones

To amended understand nan whales’ movements, nan UPV squad has successfully placed outer tags connected 3 individuals and identified 21 much done photographic records. In a non-invasive process utilizing drones, they besides collected 2 familial samples by capturing nan whales’ exhaled breath.

The task is led by scientists Eduardo Belda and Víctor Gallego and combines land-based ocular surveys pinch offshore operations. Techniques specified arsenic photo-identification, passive acoustics and ocular transects are utilized to study organization origins, behaviour and threats from quality activity, including maritime traffic.

The investigation is being carried retired by UPV’s Institute for Integrated Coastal Zone Management (IGIC) and nan iTEAM group, pinch support from nan Generalitat Valenciana, nan Cayman Oceanogràfic Foundation, EUCRANTE, and different partners. Funding is provided by nan Biodiversity Foundation of Spain’s Ministry for Ecological Transition.

Belda and Gallego said nan beingness of fin whales successful nan region highlights nan ecological value of this agelong of coastline. They dream nan findings will lead to caller measures to protect nan species, including changes successful maritime postulation regulations and nan creation of additional marine protected areas.

“Our purpose is to amended understand their domiciled successful nan ecosystem and lend to their conservation,” said nan researchers, who besides emphasised nan urgent request to reside threats specified arsenic underwater sound and pollution.