PRESS RELEASE

Odense, Denmark, 13 September 2024 – Parties to the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish, and North Seas (ASCOBANS) agreed on a series of important conservation measures at a meeting held from 10-12 September in Denmark. The agreement covers small migratory marine mammals, such as dolphins and porpoises, which are found in these northern and western European waters. Key outcomes of the 10th Meeting of the Parties to ASCOBANS (MOP10) are aimed at critical threats to these marine mammals. 

ASCOBANS is a legally-binding regional agreement developed under the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS).

Key Outcomes of the Meeting

• Conservation of the Baltic Proper Harbour Porpoise: The critically endangered Baltic Proper harbour porpoise remains a high priority for the Agreement. The Parties reaffirmed their commitment to fully implement the Jastarnia Plan, a recovery initiative focused on reducing bycatch in gillnets, designating new marine protected areas, and intensifying research into threats such as underwater noise and contaminants. The inclusion of the Baltic Proper harbour porpoise population in Appendix I of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) was a key achievement from the CMS 14th Conference of the Parties (COP14) toward comprehensive conservation efforts.
• Conservation of Beaked Whales: Urgent measures were adopted to protect beaked whales, emphasizing the need for enhanced international cooperation to mitigate threats such as underwater noise, bycatch, and habitat degradation. Improved monitoring, data collection, and noise mitigation measures were central to this resolution.
• Guidelines for Cetacean-Sensitive Maritime Spatial Planning: New guidelines were adopted to ensure that maritime spatial planning (MSP) incorporates cetacean conservation, including the use of environmental impact assessments and strategic planning to avoid critical habitats. MSP is vital in managing offshore wind development, shipping, and other activities that could negatively impact cetacean populations.
• Mitigating the Impacts of Recreational Activities: With increasing pressure on small cetaceans from recreational boating and other activities, new measures were introduced to minimize disturbances, reduce vessel strikes, and control noise pollution in key habitats. Parties agreed on the need for better regulations and public awareness initiatives.
• Shallow-Water Mining and Small Cetaceans: The meeting acknowledged the growing interest in shallow-water mining and its potential to degrade habitats important to small cetaceans. Resolutions were passed to promote research, implement precautionary measures, and integrate mining activities within marine spatial planning frameworks to minimize impacts on cetaceans.
• Adverse Effects of Underwater Noise from Offshore Renewable Energy Construction: A revised resolution addressing the adverse effects of underwater noise from renewable energy construction activities, particularly during pile driving, was adopted. The Parties agreed on measures to mitigate noise impacts and to ensure that critical life stages and habitats of small cetaceans are protected during these operations.
• Ocean Energy Development: While ocean energy is critical for combating climate change, the Parties raised concerns over its impact on cetaceans, particularly from underwater noise, habitat degradation, and collisions with shipping traffic and marine renewable energy structures. A precautionary approach was endorsed, focusing on avoiding or minimizing harm through research, monitoring, and mitigation efforts throughout the life cycle of these projects.

The Role of Small Cetaceans in Marine Ecosystems and the threats they face

Small cetaceans, such as dolphins, porpoises, and beaked whales, play a vital role in maintaining the health and balance of marine ecosystems. As apex and mid-level predators, they help regulate fish populations, ensuring species diversity and ecosystem stability. Their presence indicates the health of the marine environment, as they are highly sensitive to changes in their habitat, such as pollution, overfishing, and underwater noise.

Small cetaceans face a range of serious threats, primarily driven by human activities. Bycatch in fishing gear, particularly in gillnets, remains the leading cause of death for species such as the harbour porpoise. Underwater noise pollution disrupts cetacean communication and feeding behaviors, while habitat degradation due to industrial activities and pollution further threatens their survival. The expansion of renewable energy projects and the growing impact of climate change are altering the marine environments on which these species depend.

The recent State of the World’s Migratory Species report contained sobering findings: one in five CMS-listed species is threatened with extinction, three out of four are impacted by habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, and seven out of ten are affected by overexploitation (including incidental capture and intentional taking). Addressing these threats is not only crucial for the survival of small cetaceans but also for the well-being of the broader marine ecosystem on which humans and countless other species depend.

Building on Previous Successes and a Renewed Commitment to Action

Since its establishment in 1992, ASCOBANS has achieved significant success with its multilateral, cooperative, and science-based approach—particularly in tackling bycatch, pollution, and underwater noise, and providing technical guidance to inform conservation policy.

This meeting marks an important milestone in ongoing efforts to protect small cetaceans across European waters. With the adoption of new resolutions and the reaffirmation of international collaboration, governments are taking decisive steps to address the emerging threats to whales, dolphins, and porpoises. These efforts also contribute to wider global goals, including the Samarkand Strategic Plan for Migratory Species, the UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.