Even though the Mediterranean and Black Seas are semi-enclosed basins covering less than 1% of the global surface of the oceans, their high species and endemism richness makes this bio-geographical region one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity on a global scale. Unfortunately, they are amongst the most impacted ecoregions due to increasing anthropogenic threats and pressures on different coastal and marine ecosystems. In that regard, the cetaceans distributed in the Mediterranean and Black Seas are all of conservation concern as they have a very restricted distribution and are thought to be negatively and increasingly affected by multiple and synergic stressors. The assessment of the conservation status of dolphins and whales in the Mediterranean and Black Seas is very often fragmentary, whilst the monitoring of these sentinel species represents an opportunity to evaluate the impacts of human activities on the ecosystems functioning at different temporal and spatial scales. In fact, due to their high mobility, it is necessary to assess their health status, increasingly adopting monitoring strategies at broader and appropriate geographical scales such as marine sub-regions characterized by oceanographic, biogeochemical, and ecological interconnection. Moreover, cetaceans being top-predators or consumers play control roles according to the mechanisms of trophic cascade, helping to maintain the stability of marine ecosystems' food webs and their healthiness.
This new Topic will aim to disseminate research addressing current knowledge gaps on the distribution, abundance, as well as on risks and threats to the conservation of cetacean species in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. We welcome papers and reviews with a broad scope e.g.,
- ecological and mathematical models and innovative and technological solutions aimed at updating knowledge about the bio-ecology of cetaceans
- research helping to develop a variety of strategies devoted to maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem services, and toward the implementation of conservation measures according to the ecosystem-based management approach.
Contributions from developing countries, where research and conservation challenges are particularly important are strongly encouraged. The Research Topic will welcome any contributions on ecology, genetics, evolution, and behavior that will contribute to a better understanding of the impact that human activities have on populations of cetaceans in Mediterranean and Back Sea basins.
Even though the Mediterranean and Black Seas are semi-enclosed basins covering less than 1% of the global surface of the oceans, their high species and endemism richness makes this bio-geographical region one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity on a global scale. Unfortunately, they are amongst the most impacted ecoregions due to increasing anthropogenic threats and pressures on different coastal and marine ecosystems. In that regard, the cetaceans distributed in the Mediterranean and Black Seas are all of conservation concern as they have a very restricted distribution and are thought to be negatively and increasingly affected by multiple and synergic stressors. The assessment of the conservation status of dolphins and whales in the Mediterranean and Black Seas is very often fragmentary, whilst the monitoring of these sentinel species represents an opportunity to evaluate the impacts of human activities on the ecosystems functioning at different temporal and spatial scales. In fact, due to their high mobility, it is necessary to assess their health status, increasingly adopting monitoring strategies at broader and appropriate geographical scales such as marine sub-regions characterized by oceanographic, biogeochemical, and ecological interconnection. Moreover, cetaceans being top-predators or consumers play control roles according to the mechanisms of trophic cascade, helping to maintain the stability of marine ecosystems' food webs and their healthiness.
This new Topic will aim to disseminate research addressing current knowledge gaps on the distribution, abundance, as well as on risks and threats to the conservation of cetacean species in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. We welcome papers and reviews with a broad scope e.g.,
- ecological and mathematical models and innovative and technological solutions aimed at updating knowledge about the bio-ecology of cetaceans
- research helping to develop a variety of strategies devoted to maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem services, and toward the implementation of conservation measures according to the ecosystem-based management approach.
Contributions from developing countries, where research and conservation challenges are particularly important are strongly encouraged. The Research Topic will welcome any contributions on ecology, genetics, evolution, and behavior that will contribute to a better understanding of the impact that human activities have on populations of cetaceans in Mediterranean and Back Sea basins.