Cretan Sperm Whale Project
The information
that was gathered in Southwestern Crete from 1995 to 1998 indicated that this
area is of special biological significance for the entire sperm whale population
of the Mediterranean Sea. It seems that this is the most important area in the
Mediterranean where sperm whales gather, feed, breed, and possibly mate. What
is more, the Mediterranean sperm whale population is probably significantly isolated
from the Atlantic Ocean population and is thus very vulnerable to any anthropogenic
threat (such as driftnets, chemical pollution, and noise pollution). In addition,
according to existing data, the Mediterranean population is comprised of a small
number of individuals and also exhibits evident signs of population decrease.
Consequently, the combination of these conditions render the conservation of this
sperm whale population one of utmost importance for the Mediterranean.
For these aforementioned reasons,
in 1998 Dr. Alexandros Frantzis and his research team (now constituting the core of Pelagos Cetacean Research
Institute) created the "Cretan Sperm Whale Project". The objectives of this research project are to record
the sperm whale population through photo-identification and to study their communication patterns, their
genetics, and their migration. The ultimate goal of the Cretan Sperm Whale Project is to provide the necessary
scientific background that is required in order to recommend conservation guidelines for the sperm whales.
The project will be extended to also cover the area of Chalkidiki and Northern Sporades as of the Fall
of 2000.
One of a kind!
The presence of sperm whales in Southern Crete is related to the very
steep underwater cliffs that exist near the coastline. At these depths,
deep-living squids on which sperm whales feed, are abundant. Research
has shown that Southern Crete is the only known area in the world where
social groups (i.e. females and their offspring) and solitary males co-exist
all year round. The most plausible explanation for this unique phenomenon
is that living conditions in this area are ideal for sperm whales.
Frequency of Observation
The frequency with which sperm whales are encountered in Southern Crete
is the highest up to date in the entire Mediterranean Basin. More specifically,
during the summer months (for which ample data exists) sperm whales are
in the study area at least 75% of the time that our research team actively
looks for them.
Other cetaceans in the area
Apart from sperm whales, large groups of striped dolphins also inhabit
the coastal waters of Southern Crete and are encountered almost daily.
Risso's dolphins and Cuvier's beaked whales, species that are seldom seen
in other parts of Greece, are also encountered quite frequently in Southern
Crete. In addition, the bottlenose dolphins that inhabit the shallow waters
between Gavdos and Gavdopoula can also be found occasionally near the
Cretan coast. Even though it is possible that common dolphins, pilot whales,
and fin whales pass through the area, there have only been unconfirmed
sightings to date.
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