Short Communication: Satellite tracking of a solitary sperm whale in Greek waters: conservation implications

The Hellenic Trench hosts the highest density of endangered sperm whales in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and is recognised as an Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA). This population is exposed to substantial anthropogenic pressures, including vessel strikes, hydrocarbon activities and military exercises. In July 2024, a solitary adult male was equipped with a minimally invasive ARGOS satellite‐linked transmitter southwest of Kefalonia, Greece. Over 57 days, the whale ranged from the Ionian Sea through the Hellenic Trench into the southern and northeastern Aegean Sea. Movement analyses revealed extended periods of localised movements southwest of Kefalonia‐Zakynthos and later in the northeastern Aegean, indicative of potential feeding behaviour, interspersed with phases of directed travel along the Hellenic Trench and across the Cyclades toward the Dodecanese. This is the first satellite track of a male sperm whale in Greece, providing novel insights into habitat use, movement strategies, and previously undocumented transit and residency areas. These findings highlight new key areas for place‐based conservation and demonstrate the value of satellite telemetry for informing targeted management in the Eastern Mediterranean.

Duke Scholars

Author Viola Panigada