The Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals

Within the Mediterranean Sea lies a recently discovered thriving permanent frontal system with vast populations of zooplankton supporting a trove of marine life, including large populations of several cetacean species. The presence of such large mammals in the heavily-trafficked Mediterranean was a surprise for the public, as well as scientists. In 1999, the Pelagos Sanctuary for Mediterranean Marine Mammals was established as the first High Seas MPA by the governments of Italy, France, and Monaco with the goals of managing human impacts, increasing scientific knowledge, and promoting awareness. The establishment of the Sanctuary has already had some positive outcomes, but there are special challenges that lie ahead in terms of management and scientific monitoring to continue the success of this novel MPA.