Vilanova i la Geltrú Coastal Waters Named Hope Spot to Foster Fin Whale Conservation Efforts

September 26, 2024

Featured image: Fin whales, Edmaktub.org

(VILANOVA I AL GELTRÚ, SPAIN) –

The Vilanova i la Geltrú Coastal Waters Hope Spot encompasses a strip of coastal waters 12 to 15 miles wide (1944 km²) on the Catalan coast southwest of Barcelona. Recently, acoustic research findings have revealed that these waters may be an important feeding ground for fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Mediterranean.

International marine conservation nonprofit Mission Blue is pleased to recognize the Vilanova i la Geltrú Coastal Waters as a Hope Spot. Professor Michel André, Director of the Laboratory of Applied Bioacoustics (LAB-UPC), Founder and President of The Sense of Silence Foundation, and Dr. Marisa Zaragozá, Director of the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (BarcelonaTech) campus of Vilanova i la Geltrú (UPC), are recognized as the Hope Spot Champions. 

Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue shares, “Hope Spot champions Michel André and Marisa Zaragozá are working together on a pioneering research project utilizing cutting-edge technology, including bioacoustics, imaging, and eDNA to study the presence of fin whales in these feeding grounds, as well as the greater biodiversity found off the Catalan coast. Combining state-of-the-art technological innovation with modern methods will provide a wealth of complementary biodiversity information and provide unique details unobtainable by individual monitoring systems. This will revolutionize how the area ecosystems are sampled, mapped, and understood. We look forward to seeing the data and information from this project used to help inform marine spatial planning decisions for this Hope Spot, not only for fin whales, but for all marine life that call this place home.”

Recent acoustic studies in Vilanova i la Geltrú’s coastal waters have revealed that there may be a regional population of fin whales feeding in this crucial, understudied area. The fin whale, which can reach up to 24 meters in length, is the only baleen whale to regularly inhabit the Mediterranean Sea. Previous to these studies, fishermen had reported sightings of fin whales in the area for decades, but their presence had not been previously confirmed by the scientific community. 

“As in many parts of the ocean, there is an urgent need to develop ways for humans to coexist with nature and adapt our activities to respect marine life. Being part of the Mission Blue network reinforces this goal along the Catalonian coast, helping us understand the challenges that fin whales and other marine species face in a changing world. This connection also reinforces our responsibility to find technological solutions to protect this unique environment that can be exported to other Hope Spots” explains Michel André, Hope Spot Champion and Founder of The Sense of Silence Foundation.

The primary objective of the Vilanova i la Geltrú Hope Spot is to create a holistic understanding of the area’s biodiversity. Hope Spot Champions and their partners plan to deploy autonomous sampling platforms which utilize a range of non-invasive methods (bioacoustics, imaging and eDNA) in order to observe and map marine biodiversity in the Hope Spot area. The initial focus of this work will be seven species in the fin whale feeding grounds, which are impacted by numerous anthropogenic stressors. 

“For the past two decades, the Universitat Politècnica de Catalonia, BarcelonaTech Campus of Vilanova i la Geltrú has dedicated significant efforts to developing marine technologies that respect wildlife, aligning with our commitment to educate students who can drive change through understanding. The recognition from Mission Blue comes at a pivotal time, affirming that we are on the right path and can achieve our goals together” elaborates Marisa Zaragozá, UPC Vilanova i la Geltrú Campus Director and Hope Spot Champion.

These scientific methods will provide valuable biodiversity indicators for the area in line with the European Union Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), aiding EU-wide harmonization of management strategies to improve biodiversity governance. Additionally, pioneering ecosystem modeling frameworks will assess and predict biodiversity changes, developing effective conservation measures, including accounting for ecosystem services in decision-making.

The challenge represented by this Hope Spot is that of finding the balance to allow human activities to cohabitate with the natural environment without causing irreversible biodiversity decline. The Vilanova i la Geltrú Hope Spot’s location near Barcelona, Spain’s largest coastal city, means the waters are impacted by significant human activity, including heavy ship traffic and underwater noise pollution. With the regular presence of fin whales exhibiting feeding behavior near the water’s surface, this represents the potential for ship strikes, threatening the population in these essential feeding grounds. 

The use of sound is a non-invasive research tool used to better understand the marine environment. Sound is a sense shared by all marine life, from plants to great whales and fish, and one humans share as well. Sound can serve as an acoustic ribbon, binding Hope Spots across the planet together with underwater sound. Vilanova i la Geltrú Hope Spot recognition represents the official launch of The “Sounds of Hope” campaign aims to raise awareness and foster collaboration among Hope Spots by highlighting the power of sound as a common thread connecting marine ecosystems. 

About The Sense of Silence Foundation

The Sense of Silence Foundation is dedicated to preserving natural environments by focusing on their soundscapes. By studying and protecting areas and species that are vulnerable to human impact and climate change, the foundation aims to capture the acoustic essence of Nature. It emphasizes the importance of natural sounds as a vital resource for scientific research, biodiversity conservation, and ecological integrity. Through targeted research initiatives and advocacy efforts across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems—including global oceans, the Poles, and rainforests—the Sense of Silence Foundation strives to preserve these unique acoustic environments, recognizing their intrinsic value for an harmonious coexistence with humanity.

About Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) is a leading public institution in Spain, recognized for its excellence in engineering, architecture, and applied sciences. With a strong emphasis on research, innovation, and international collaboration, UPC plays a pivotal role in advancing technological development and sustainable practices. The university offers a diverse range of programs across multiple campuses, including Vilanova i la Geltrú, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to education. UPC’s commitment to cutting-edge research and industry partnerships equips students with the skills and knowledge to address global challenges, making it a key contributor to scientific and technological progress both locally and globally.