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	News Click here to subscribe to ACCOBAMS mailing list The Governments of the UNEP/CMS/ACCOBAMS ban the use of driftnets! 2008/03/26 Driftnets are nets that are held on or just below the surface of the water thanks to floats. Their height varies according to the fishery concerned but, in the case of large nets, is generally comprised between 20 to 30 metres. They are weighted at the bottom so that the tension created between the floats and the weights holds the net vertically in the sea. Nets can drift on their own or, more frequently, with the vessel to which one end is tied. After years of discussions, the European Union decided in April 1997 to establish technical conservation measures in order to regulate the fishing industry using driftnets. The EU Council of Ministers, with the backing of the European Parliament, decided to impose a maximum limit of 2.5km on driftnets used by EU vessels. Unfortunately, the lack of respect regarding the regulations, by some, causes each year the death of hundreds of dolphins –and other endangered species- because driftnets are made of synthetic fabric which make them almost invisible for their sonar. In the Mediterranean, it is estimated that driftnets are responsible for the death of 10,000 cetaceans each year, and are the primary cause of death for sperm whales. During their last meeting (October 2007), the Governments of the Contracting Parties to the UNEP/CMS/ACCOBAMS - Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area – have adopted an Amendment to the Agreement Text (signed in 1996) regarding the use of driftnets. This Amendment entered into force for all Contracting Parties on the 22^nd March 2008. It states that “no vessels will be authorized to keep on board or to use any drift nets.” Recording that the UNEP/CMS/ACCOBAMS is an Intergovernmental Agreement, as of date between 21 Countries, we can sincerely hope that this new conservation measure will help the conservation of marine mammals living within the Agreement Area. 32nd Meeting of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean 2008/03/18 Rome, 25-29 February 2008: During its 32^nd Meeting, the Commission has examined the 2007 intersession activities and the Report of the Advisory Scientific Comity. Through the presentation of these two elements, the Executive Secretary and the President of the Advisory Scientific Comity have underlined the actions undertaken in collaboration with ACCOBAMS, particularly the activities related to the Bycatch. The second part of the Meeting was dedicated to the Secretariat administrative issues, the budget and the 2008 activities. In this last matter, the joint organisation ACCOBAMS- GFCM of the BYCBAMS Workshop was adopted by the Commission. Following the introduction of the Committee of Compliance, during the 31^st Meeting of the GFCM, the meetings of the Commission take place together with the Meeting of the Committee of Compliance. This latter examines the application of the decisions and resolutions of the Commission. It is important to say that the Commission has adopted the principle of establishing Memorandums of agreement between the GFCM Secretariat and the relevant Secretariats of International Organisations. Consequently, it is possible to suggest a Memorandum of Agreement between the ACCOBAMS and the GFCM Secretariats during the 33^rd Meeting of the Commission. The 32^nd Meeting of the GFCM took place at the main office of the FAO in Rome, Italy and the majority of Parties were represented. ACCOBAMS Secretariat participated to the Meeting and has informed the Commission about its main activities, as well as its recent Amendment to the Agreement regarding driftnets. In addition, the Secretariat started to contact the delegations of several countries in order to examine the practical modalities of the application of the Agreement in their countries. The Secretariat has as well examined, with the Coordinator of the stock assessment, the prey depletion issue and its possible repercussion on cetaceans. Wedding News... 2008/03/18 ACCOBAMS Secretariat has the pleasure to announce that on February 14th, 2008, our Executive Secretary suddenly decided to wed "Cloclo" in a small and intimate cereomy in Monaco. We wish the lovely couple a lucky and happy married life! Survey Workshop in Monaco 2008/03/10 In the framework of the implementation of the decisions adopted by the Parties concerning the project on a comprehensive survey targeting all cetacean species throughout the Agreement area (Recommendation 2.9 of the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee and Resolutions 2.19, 3.4 and 3.15 of the Meeting of the Parties), the Secretariat has the pleasure to inform that a workshop will be held from the 15th to the 17th of May 2008 at the "Centre des Congrès Auditorium Rainier III" in Monaco, in order to review the content of the draft project and develop a strategy for fundraising and for obtaining support of national authorities. Specific aims of the this workshop are: - to present the project proposal prepared by the drafting group (structure and actions of the project); - to present and review the methodology and survey design prepared; - to collect infomation from the country representatives on further details about the needed steps and authorizations for carrying out field work of the survey in the waters under jurisdiction of their countries; - to give further consideration to the project organizational arrangements (including potential partners and responsabilities within the project); and - to evaluate the prospects of obtaining financial support. The workshop will be organised thanks to the financial support of the Italian Ministry of Environment and Land Protection and Sea. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Permanent Secretariat via email as soon as possible: Anne Tappa atappa@accobams.net Dolphin Morbillivirus Epizootic Resurgence, Mediterranean Sea 2008/03/04 In July 2007, >100 striped dolphins, Stenella coeruleoalba, were found dead along the coast of the Spanish Mediterranean. Of 10 dolphins tested, 7 were positive for a virus strain closely related to the dolphin morbillivirus that was isolated during a previous epizootic in 1990... Théoule: a dead dolphin found with its caudal fin cut 2008/02/26 Complete article in french: (227.75 Kb) Fifth meeting of the Scientific Committee 2008/02/18 ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat is pleased to announce that the Fifth Meeting of the Scientific Committee will take place in Rome, Italy, from the 17th to the 19th of April 2008. The Meeting is organised thanks to the support of the "Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Tutela del Territorio e del Mare" of Italy. The Meeting will be organised around the following Agenda: (961.79 Kb) "Whales of the Mediterranean Sea" - A series of online films. 2008/02/13 "Whales of the Mediterranean Sea" is a five-part documentary series about the scientists exploring the Mediterranean, and the cetaceans that inhabit this ancient sea. Filmed and Produced by Chris & Genevieve Johnson of earthOCEAN, "Whales of the Mediterranean Sea" ventures into deep seas and coastal waters with a range of international scientists. It examines the ecology of cetaceans, while exploring the causes of increasing pressures on their populations and habitats. The greatest challenge of all is raising awareness, as most people do not even know there are whales in the Mediterranean Sea. Previous programs include: "Disappearing Dolphins" (Episode 4) Common dolphins were once abundant throughout the Mediterranean Sea. Today they are declining rapidly, surviving only in portions of their former range. In western Greece, the sea around the island of Kalamos is their last stronghold, or at least it used to be. So why are the dolphins disappearing? We interview Giovanni Bearzi, the President of the Tethys Research Institute in Italy, and a Pew Fellow in Marine Conservation. Giovanni has been studying coastal dolphins in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea for two decades. What began as a study on the ecology and behavior of common dolphins around Kalamos, became a systematic record of their demise. http://www.earthocean.tv/series/whalesmed_part4.html http://www.graphicmail.com.au/sendlink.asp?HitID=1202885290000&StID=3979&SID=18&EmID=2222829&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5lYXJ0aG9jZWFuLnR2L3Nlcmllcy93aGFsZXNtZWRfcGFydDQuaHRtbA%3D%3D earthOCEAN release the fifth and final program of the documentary series - "Whales of the Mediterranean Sea". What does it mean to save whales, dolphins and porpoises if their habitat is left unprotected? Marine Protected Areas, also known as MPAs or Marine Sanctuaries, are the equivalent of national parks and protected areas on land. Erich Hoyt is an author and senior research fellow for WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society. He feels that creating MPAs for cetaceans can have a far-reaching impact in conserving other species, and whole ecosystems. Marine scientists Ana Cañadas and Ric Sagarminaga work in the Alboran Sea off the coast of southern Spain. They are identifying critical habitats for migratory species while working with various local groups whose livelihoods depend on a healthy sea. However, can establishing MPAs protect cetaceans from all human pressures? We interview Cristina Fossi, a marine toxicologist from the University of Siena, Italy, whose work highlights the extreme levels of pollution in Mediterranean cetaceans. Our final program of the series, Whales of the Mediterranean Sea, explores whether whales, dolphins and porpoises can be the catalyst in protecting marine biodiversity in this ancient sea. Watch the video documentary - http://www.earthocean.tv/series/whalesmed_part5.html http://www.graphicmail.com.au/sendlink.asp?HitID=1202885290000&StID=3979&SID=18&EmID=2222829&Link=aHR0cDovL3d3dy5lYXJ0aG9jZWFuLnR2L3Nlcmllcy93aGFsZXNtZWRfcGFydDUuaHRtbA%3D%3D New episodes in the Cetacean Investigation series coming in April 2008. Georgia: Towards the Development of a National Cetacean Stranding Network 2008/02/12 2nd Biannual and Black Sea SCENE EC Project Joint Conference, 6 - 9 October 2008 2008/01/25 The Second Binnual and Black Sea SCENE EC Project Joint Conference will be held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from the 6th to the 9th October 2008. The anticipated HOTs (Hypothesis, Observations, Trends) of the Conference are related to Climate Change. For more information: http://www.undp.org/gef/adaptation/index.htm On-line pre-registration is now open on the conference web site: www.blacksea-commission.org/bs-hot/ Morbillivirus Epidemic: ACCOBAMS sits up 2008/01/17 Last July, ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat was informed of the discovery of stranded stripped dolphins along the Spanish coast near Valencia and Murcia. In August, a rise in strandings was recorded: since then, the epidemic seems to have spread to other species such as pilot whales. Affected animals display a desoriented and agitated behaviour before dying a few hours after being stranded. Following the official scientific report, which identified the Morbillivirus as the cause of death for these species, ACCOBAMS Secretariat has contacted the Parties in order to establish a state of alert within the various Stranding Networks. This virus affects the immune system of cetaceans. It does not constitute a direct threat to humans however, precautions should be taken when approaching stranded animals as they can carry infectious pathogens. Not all of the Stranding Networks have the same degree of fonctioning nevertheless, within its capacity building program, ACCOBAMS started two years ago a program aiming to develop and/or reinforce the existing structures in Morocco, Monaco, Syria and in four Black Sea countries: Bulgaria, Romania, Georgia and Ukraine. Last October, the Contracting Parties of the Agreement adopted Guidelines enacting measures to follow when confronted to such an epidemic. These Guidelines have been distributed to all the Mediterranean and Black Sea Riparian States and a network composed of scientists has been established in order to create a team capable of facing adequately this kind of event for which the pollution impact cannot be neglected. Beyond the scientific and administrative capabilities, and tools made available to Governments, it is imperative to strengthen the collaboration between scientists and Governments in order to fight against this new menace threatening our marine biodiversity. The Executive Secretary Marie-Christine GRILLO- VAN KLAVEREN The Mediterranean: a virus threatens 150000 dolphins 2008/01/16 The article was published in the Monaco Matin newspaper. It's official: No more sonar activity around the Canary Islands ! 2007/12/18 The ACCOBAMS Secretariat is pleased to inform that the Spanish National Government as of yesterday officially signed no sonar around Canary Islands and got an Agreement with the Regional Canary Islands Government to follow investigating on beaked whales. The ACCOBAMS Permanent Secretariat would like to sincerely congratulate the Spanish authorities for this important step towards conservation. Click here for more information: http://www.canarias7.es/articulo.cfm?id=77269 The ACCOBAMS Secretariat welcomes Algeria as new member of the 'ACCOBAMS family'. 2007/12/13 It is our pleasure to inform you that Algeria published on 29th April 2007 the national Decree on ACCOBAMS accession, deposited its instrument and became the 21th Party to the Agreement on the 1st December 2007. The ACCOBAMS Secretariat welcomes Algeria as new member of the 'ACCOBAMS family'. Statement Concerning the Import Ban for Wild Dolphins to Dominican Republic 2007/12/11 Bonn, Dec. 10th, 2007; The Year of the Dolphin (YOD) Partners today wish to express their thanks to Dr. Leonel Antonio Fernandez Reyes, President of the Dominican Republic for the decision of his Government to refuse an import permit for dolphins caught in the Taiji drive fishery of Japan. NEW ACCOBAMS PARTNERS 2007/07/09 During its last Meeting (Losinji, 11-12 June), the ACCOBAMS Bureau examined new applications for partnership. The status of "ACCOBAMS Partner" was conferred to the following Organisations: Alnitak, Oceana Foundation, Souffleurs d'Ecume and WWF Mediterranean Programme Office. The Libyan Government approved the Action Plan for the Conservation of Cetaceans 2007/02/28 The Libyan Government, Party to ACCOBAMS from 2002, approved the Action Plan for the Conservation of Cetaceans. The Plan includes some priority actions on Education and awareness, Capacity Building, Research and Management and advocates an ecosystem-based management approach to preserve the integrity and diversity of marine ecosystems. Dr Cosentino visits ACCOBAMS premises 2007/01/18 Dr Aldo Cosentino, General Director of the Protection of Nature of the Italian Ministry of Environment visited ACCOBAMS Secretariat on the occasion of his stay in Monaco. ACCOBAMS against racism 2007/01/09 A few days before Christmas, Mr Alberto Felipe, during his visit to Monaco, contacted ACCOBAMS Secretariat with the aim of strenghtening his personal battle against racism. An unexpected guest at the 4th Meeting of the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee 2006/11/09 During the 4th Meeting of the Scientific Committee of ACCOBAMS that was held at "Auditorium Rainier III" in Monaco between 5th and 8th November, an unexpected guest animated the Tuesday session: a young fin whale appeared in the arm of sea right in front of the Auditorium! Cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Seas New report on the status of porpoises, dolphins and whales now available 2006/10/20 Porpoises, dolphins and whales of many kinds abounded in the Black and Mediterranean seas when humans arrived and for millennia thereafter. Over the last few centuries and especially the 19th and 20th, however, the numbers and range of these aquatic mammals have dwindled as a result of human actions -- in some cases deliberate and in some cases accidental. Romania celebrates ACCOBAMS 10th Anniversary 2006/10/12 In the frame of ACCOBAMS Tenth Anniversary, a series of activities are being brought forward by Romania. ACCOBAMS Focal Point in Romania with the National Institute of Marine Research and Development "Grigore Antipa", based in Constanta", is divulgating very interesting and useful material, aiming to awaken public concerns on the matter of Biodiversity Conservation among which a footage about Black Sea cetaceans which is currently being broadcast by local TVs. Lo¨inj Dolphin Reserve: the biggest marine protected area in the Adriatic 2006/08/10 On Sunday 6th August, during the celebration of the 14th Dolphin Day, held regularly since 1993 on the island of Losinj, the State Secretary of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Croatia, Dr. Jadran Antolovic, declared the establishment of the Losinj Dolphin Reserve. Dolphin Day in Croatia 2006/08/03 On the 5th and 6th of August 2006 the 14th Dolphin Day organised by the Blue World Institute of Marine Research and Conservation, Partner of ACCOBAMS, was held in the harbour of Veli Losinj. "Dolphin Days" in Greece 2006/07/31 "Dolphin Days": an initiative undertaken by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and OceanCare in partnership with ACCOBAMS. ACCOBAMS Game 2006/06/16 Within the next couple of months, some 10.000 children throughout the Agreement Area will be playing with the ACCOBAMS Game! ACCOBAMS new web site 2006/05/17 ACCOBAMS is proud to present its new website! The outcome achieved by (R)evolution Ltd is a combination of scientific and institutional data, addressed both to the scientific community and to the general public. The design of the website mirrors our identity and our commitment to the preservation of dolphins and whales. ACCOBAMS 10th Anniversary 2006/04/27 The Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and the contiguous Atlantic area was signed on 24th november 1996, in the Principality of Monaco so this year it celebrates its 10th Anniversary. On this occasion, many happenings and events will be held throughout the year, also thanks to the precious financial support of the Gouvernment of Monaco. Loris Capirossi supports ACCOBAMS 2006/04/27 World famous Loris Capirossi has recently joined ACCOBAMS' team, supporting the U.N. Agreement which strives for the preservation of cetaceans.