The discovery of 48 sperm whales confirms the north of Menorca as a refuge for calves

PalmaA scientific campaign developed over two weeks in northern Menorca has detected 48 sperm whales, one fifth of which were calves, a figure that reinforces the role of these waters as one of the main breeding areas for the species in the western Mediterranean.

The research, driven by the Tursiops Association between July 17 and 30 as part of the "Moby Mummy" project, has covered nearly 1,100 nautical miles with the aim of identifying and protecting this breeding area.

Researchers recorded a total of 11 encounters with sperm whales: two using hydrophones, which allow them to be detected acoustically, and 9 more through direct observation. In total, they located 3 solitary males and 6 groups consisting of 38 individuals, including 9 calves. The largest group comprised 7 sperm whales, 3 of which were calves.

The scientific director of the Tursiops Association, Txema Brotons, has described the results as "excellent news" and highlighted that more than 20% of the animals observed in groups were calves. As he explained, this data shows that "northern Menorca is full of animals, full of groups, and full of calves," a fact that demonstrates the solid presence of sperm whales in this area.

During the campaign, scientists also photographed flukes and fins to individually identify the specimens, recorded their acoustic codings and the clicks they use to communicate and hunt, and obtained aerial images that will allow for the study of their nutritional status, possible pregnancies, and various morphometric parameters. Additionally, samples were collected for environmental DNA analysis in collaboration with the University of Valencia.

A key area for conservation

The different editions of the Moby Mummy project have confirmed that the waters north of Menorca constitute a stable breeding area for sperm whales, located far from the main shipping routes for large vessels, a circumstance that reinforces its ecological value.

For this reason, the Tursiops Association has requested the Ministry for Ecological Transition to create a protected marine area that guarantees the conservation of this space and minimizes the impacts of human activities on one of the main breeding grounds for sperm whales in the western Mediterranean.

According to Brotons, once the protected area is delimited, efforts will focus on identifying the main threats affecting the species to develop a management plan that allows for the reduction of impacts and ensures the effective conservation of this habitat.

Dolphins and sea turtles were also observed there

The scientific campaign has also made it possible to collect information on other marine species. During the two weeks of navigation, 5 bottlenose dolphins, 3 groups of pilot whales with about 70 individuals, 6 groups of striped dolphins with about 104 individuals, and 21 sea turtles were observed.

The initiative has had the support of Menorca Preservation, the Menorca Biosphere Reserve Agency, Menorca Lines, and Marina Port Maó.