Lampedusa IMMA

Criterion A – Species or Population Vulnerability

The resident and genetically isolated population of Mediterranean fin whales, presumed to number at most in the low thousands (and possibly in decline), is subject to several threats including ship strikes, disturbance, noise and chemical contaminants with several potential negative effects at the population level. The Mediterranean subpopulation has been listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species according to the following considerations; the Mediterranean subpopulation, which is genetically distinct from fin whales in the Atlantic; contains fewer than 10,000 mature individuals; the subpopulation experiences an inferred continuing decline in number of mature individuals; all mature individuals are in one subpopulation.

The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species classified the Mediterranean subpopulation of common bottlenose dolphins as Vulnerable, based on a suspected population decline of at least 30% over the last 60 years. The bottlenose dolphin is listed in the Appendix II (Mediterranean population) of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), in the Appendix II (Strictly Protected Fauna Species) of the Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats (Bern Convention), and in the Annexes II and IV of the EU Habitats Directive (Council Directive 92/43/EEC).

Criterion B: Distribution and Abundance

Sub-criterion B1: Small and Resident Populations

Photo-identification research studies clearly describe that bottlenose dolphin groups are regularly present along the Lampedusa coast, and that the distribution of sightings clearly show a number of individual dolphins regularly utilizing the study area. The most reliable population estimate, from 1998, was of 115 (93–163) animals. No other population estimates with similar precision are available but continued work proves the regular presence of the species in the area.

Criterion C: Key Life Cycle Activities

Sub-criterion C1: Reproductive Areas

Continuous or regular presence of Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphins, as well as a high ratio of immature animals in respect to adults, are observed all year round. Social and reproductive activities are regularly observed and validate previous suggestions that this bottlenose dolphin population regularly uses this area for mating and calving. Each age class are encountered during almost all years and months of study. Parturition has never been observed, although it likely occurs given the observations of extremely small individuals (classified as newborn) showing foetal folds on the flanks and lacking basic motor-coordination skills. The relative frequency of occurrence of groups containing immature animals (in relation to all groups) do not appear to vary annually.

Sub-criterion C2: Feeding Areas

This is the only known winter feeding ground in the southern part of the Mediterranean for fin whales, validated by direct observations of whales actively engaged in surface feeding. Telemetry analysis have also confirmed the feeding behaviour of fin whales in the area. Marine mammals exposed to high noise levels have shown different behavioural responses, such as interrupting feeding, altering vocalizations, or leaving important habitat; in consideration that the Strait of Sicily is amongst the main areas in the Mediterranean Sea with the highest naval traffic, so potential negative effects on feeding fin whales should be further assessed and evaluated.

Common bottlenose dolphin focal group follows conducted in the area have allowed the frequent observation of dolphin groups actively feeding at the surface on schooling fish and cephalopods (sometimes thrown up in the air by dolphins). In addition, dolphin groups frequently associate with bottom trawlers. In Lampedusa, bottlenose dolphins show preference for shallow feeding grounds, as they often host complex and rich food webs. These dolphins seem to spend as much time as possible close to those areas, as it increases their likelihood of finding preferential (demersal) prey. Site-specific geomorphological factors combined with the geographical segregation of Lampedusa from the rest of the continental shelf waters may provide a plausible explanation. Furthermore, the strong association of bottlenose dolphins with trawls showed that these feeding patterns may be beneficial in that they reduce time required to forage and provides the animals with an easier method to obtain food.