Whale research project ends

The research vessel of the International Fund of Animal Welfare, Song of the Whale, will be leaving Malta this morning after wrapping up a Mediterranean expedition to study sperm whales.

IFAW representative Richard McLanaghan said they had roped in signatories of the Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area (ACCOBAMS), which includes Malta, to conduct a pilot study.

This agreement, which came into force in July 2001, aims to reduce threats to all cetacean species present in the area and to improve scientific knowledge on these animals.

The pilot study, which started in Gibraltar last month, was intended to train researchers from the Mediterranean and North Africa on the techniques used to study sperm whales.

Once this has been established the IFAW plans to conduct a big survey next year to determine how many sperm whales live in the Mediterranean region and whether they are a separate population from those sighted in the North Atlantic.

Malta's role in this pilot study was secured through the participation of marine biologist Carmen Mifsud who accompanied the team for two weeks to learn about acoustics, conservation and identification of species, among others.

During her trip around the Greek islands Ms Mifsud was lucky enough to sight seven sperm whales and track them around with special acoustics.

Mr McLanaghan said sperm whales were mostly identified through the notches on their tails, which were normally unique to each particular creature.

Sperm whales in the Mediterranean were slightly harder to identify since they had fewer notches on their tails.

The IFAW has been very active in the conservation of cetaceans for several decades worldwide and it is recognised to have a wealth of expertise in the non-invasive study and conservation of whales and dolphins.

Since 1987, Song of the Whale has been working in the north Atlantic and adjacent waters to study and help protect endangered whales and dolphin species.

This may be the vessel's last project since the IFAW are currently building a larger, more capable, purpose designed research vessel to expand its whale conservation programme.