Strengthening Cetacean Conservation and Monitoring in the Mediterranean: IMAP & ASI-II Perspectives

Background and Rationale

The Mediterranean Sea is home to 11 cetacean species, all of which are exposed to various human-induced pressures that affect their conservation status. Only a few of these species, those regularly present in the region, are currently included in national monitoring programmes within the framework of the Ecosystem Approach and the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP), under the Barcelona Convention. Depending on the characteristics of their marine environment and biodiversity, countries monitor different functional groups where possible—baleen whales, deep-diving toothed whales, and shallow-diving toothed whales.

One of the most important initiatives for monitoring cetaceans and marine megafauna in the Mediterranean region is the ACCOBAMS Survey Initiative (ASI). Conducted between 2018 and 2023, ASI-I was the first large-scale, synoptic survey of cetaceans in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Combining aerial and vessel-based observations with passive acoustic monitoring, it generated an unprecedented dataset on species distribution and abundance, while also documenting key human pressures such as marine litter and maritime traffic.

The data collected have played a pivotal role in marine conservation efforts. They contributed to updates of the IUCN Red List for several cetacean species, supported the identification of Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs), and informed the designation of the Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) in the north-western Mediterranean by the International Maritime Organization. ASI-I findings also supported the implementation of international and regional policy frameworks, including the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the Ecosystem Approach and the Integrated Monitoring and Assessment Programme (IMAP) under UNEP/MAP.

Building on the success of ASI-I, the second edition—ASI-II—marks a new step in coordinated, science-based monitoring of cetaceans and marine megafauna across the ACCOBAMS region. ASI-II now aims to update and expand this scientific baseline to track population trends, assess Good Environmental Status (GES) in the Mediterranean, serve as a data source for the next Mediterranean Quality Status Report (MedQSR), and support marine spatial planning and conservation strategies. Scheduled for summer 2026, the next Mediterranean survey will be a core component of the ACCOBAMS Long-Term Monitoring Programme (LTMP), adopted by ACCOBAMS Parties in 2022 and will contribute to the implementation of the Action plan for the conservation of cetacean in the Mediterranean of the Barcelona Convention.

National monitoring of cetaceans under IMAP and the ASI framework is progressing, but still requires strengthened technical capacities, methodological harmonization, and enhanced national ownership.

It is within this context that the EcAp MED Plus project – Supporting the Southern Mediterranean Contracting Parties in implementing the Ecosystem Approach to achieve GES – is being implemented. Building on EcAp MED III, the project supports Southern Mediterranean countries in implementing IMAP, providing quality-assured data to the IMAP InfoSystem and contributing to the next MEDQSR.

As part of the EcAp MED Plus project, information and awareness-raising workshops are planned to strengthen participation, ownership, and contributions to the IMAP process, and to broaden the engagement of institutions, scientists, NGOs, and socio-economic stakeholders.

Workshop Objectives

• Enhance Understanding of Cetacean Conservation in the Mediterranean
• Strengthen Knowledge of Monitoring Frameworks (IMAP & ASI)
• Promote Harmonization of National Monitoring Programmes
• Enhance National Ownership and Stakeholder Engagement

Expected Outcomes

• Improved understanding of cetacean conservation and monitoring: Participants will gain knowledge of the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp), IMAP, key findings from ASI-I, and the 2023 MedQSR.
• Presentation of the ASI-II implementation timeline, along with an overview of the initiative and the planned next steps.
• Strengthened capacity and ownership: National authorities, scientists, NGOs, and stakeholders will enhance their ability to implement and report on cetacean-related IMAP objectives.
• Regional collaboration and policy integration: Participants will identify opportunities for harmonized monitoring, subregional coordination, and the use of scientific data to inform conservation policy and decision-making.

Workshop Organisers

• The Specially Protected Areas Regional Activity Centre (SPA/RAC)
• The ACCOBAMS Secretariat

Workshop Details

• Date: 24 November 2025
• Duration: 120 min (9:00 to 11:00 Tunis Time UTC +1)
• Languages: French and English (simultaneous translation available)

Registration and Participation

• Participation is open to all persons interested in or involved in the IMAP process. We particularly encourage the participation of women, young professionals, and representatives of local organizations to ensure diverse and inclusive perspectives.
• Interested participants are encouraged to register in advance to secure their place: Registration link
• To connect to the meeting: Zoom link

Programme

Workshop Programme (9:00 – 11:00, Tunis Time UTC +1)