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Papers
7 resultsShowing papers from Tethys Research Institute
ClearPlastic Debris Occurrence, Convergence Areas and Fin Whales Feeding Ground in the Mediterranean Marine Protected Area Pelagos Sanctuary: A Modeling Approach
Researchers used ocean circulation models and whale habitat models to investigate the overlap between marine litter accumulation zones and fin whale feeding grounds in the Mediterranean's Pelagos Sanctuary. They found that modeled plastic debris convergence areas coincided with areas where fin whales are most likely to feed. The study raises concerns that filter-feeding whales in this marine protected area may be regularly exposed to elevated levels of microplastic and macrolitter.
Whales and dolphins of the Adriatic Sea
This study reviews the status of whales and dolphins in the Adriatic Sea, one of the Mediterranean's most human-impacted areas. Researchers found that cetacean diversity is lower here than in other Mediterranean regions, with existing populations facing threats from habitat degradation, prey depletion, and pollution. The findings underscore the need for coordinated conservation efforts across the countries bordering this semi-enclosed basin.
Fin whales and microplastics: The Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Cortez scenarios
Researchers compared microplastic interactions with fin whale populations in the Mediterranean Sea and the Sea of Cortez. The study found considerable microplastic abundance in surface water samples from both regions, suggesting that baleen whales that feed by filtering large volumes of seawater face significant exposure to microplastic contamination.
The impact of marine debris on cetaceans with consideration of plastics generated by the COVID-19 pandemic
This review examines the impact of marine debris, particularly plastics, on cetaceans (whales and dolphins), finding that approximately 68% of species are affected through entanglement or ingestion. Researchers note an increase in reported interactions over recent decades, with species-specific differences linked to diving and feeding strategies. The study also highlights the potential contribution of COVID-19 pandemic-related plastic waste to marine pollution affecting these animals.
Research Priorities to Support Effective Manta and Devil Ray Conservation
This paper reviews current knowledge gaps and identifies research priorities for manta ray and devil ray conservation, covering topics including migration, reproduction, feeding ecology, and threats such as bycatch and pollution. Understanding how plastic pollution affects these filter-feeding elasmobranchs is identified as an important area for future research.
Long‐term photo‐identification study of fin whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary (NW Mediterranean) as a baseline for targeted conservation and mitigation measures
A long-term photo-identification study of fin whales in the Pelagos Sanctuary (NW Mediterranean) identified 507 individual whales across a merged multi-decade catalogue, estimating population size, survival rates, and sex ratio from resighting data. The baseline data established by this study provides a foundation for measuring population responses to threats including ship strikes, noise, and marine pollution.
Report of the Pollution 2025 - Cumulative Effects - Multiple Stressors IWC Intersessional Workshop
This report summarizes proceedings and findings from the IWC Intersessional Workshop on Pollution 2025, focusing on cumulative effects and multiple stressors on cetacean populations, including plastic pollution, chemical contaminants, and their interactions with other environmental pressures.