Two sperm whales were spotted this week above the Ikaria Trench, a deep-sea canyon located in the northeastern Mediterranean Sea, between the Greek islands of Ikaria, Chios, and Samos.
The two male whales (Physeter macrocephalus), the largest toothed whales on the planet, can weigh up to 50 tons and grow to lengths of 16–18 meters. They were recorded by a crew of the Archipelagos – Institute of Marine Conservation during a research expedition studying and documenting marine mammals in the Aegean.
The crew on board the Triton during the expedition. Photo: Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
The Ikaria Trench, one of the deepest areas in the Aegean Sea reaching depths of up 1,400 meters (approximately 4,600 feet), is an important migratory corridor and feeding area for several large species of marine mammals as they travel through the Mediterranean.
“This is a biodiversity hotspot that remains largely unexplored,”said the Archipelagos team. “Under ideal weather conditions, this latest expedition allowed us to significantly expand our understanding of the area. We documented two migrating sperm whales, five pods of dolphins, and observed a Mediterranean monk seal during feeding.”
Photo: Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation
Besides sperm whales, it is also home to elusive species like Cuvier’s beaked whales, Risso’s dolphins, and the endangered Mediterranean monk seal.
The Archipelagos Institute has been monitoring the region for over 25 years and plans to release comprehensive findings from the expedition in the near future.
There are dozens of nature and animal protection organizations in Greece that welcome international volunteers.
