ASCOBANS

🌍 Today is World Wildlife Day! A good moment to spotlight the wildlife ASCOBANS exists to protect: ASCOBANS focuses on conservation of small cetaceans, including harbour porpoises and dolphins, across its Agreement area. 🐬Protecting these species requires not only national efforts, but also transboundary cooperation including preventing harm and mitigating impacts. World Wildlife Day is a reminder that this work is ongoing and that progress depends on consistency of our actions. Check out our activities via www.ascobans.org ! United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD) is celebrated every year on 3 March to recognize the unique roles and contributions of wildlife to people and the planet. 📷 : Orcas © Rob Lott

🌍 Today is World Wildlife Day! A good moment to spotlight the wildlife ASCOBANS exists to conserve: small cetaceans, incl. harbour porpoises & dolphins, across its Agreement area.

Protecting these marine migratory species requires transboundary cooperation 🐬🤝🌊

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📷: Orca pod © Rob Lott

↗️ Offshore renewable energy development is accelerating ↗️ Today, on the International Day of Clean Energy, it feels especially timely to talk about what it means offshore, where climate action meets marine life. 🌊 At ASCOBANS MOP10 (2024), Parties adopted two Resolutions focused on this exact intersection: Resolution 6.2 (Rev.MOP10) on the 𝘈𝘥𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦 𝘌𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘕𝘰𝘪𝘴𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘮𝘢𝘭𝘴 𝘋𝘶𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘖𝘧𝘧𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘸𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺 𝘗𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 and Resolution 8.6 (Rev.MOP10) on 𝘖𝘤𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘨𝘺. These Resolutions, among other ASCOBANS contributions, speak to managing impacts on cetaceans so that climate action and marine protection can move forward together. 🐳 For cetaceans, the construction phase is particularly detrimental. Pile driving and increased vessel traffic can add intense and chronic noise conditions that whales and dolphins rely on for communication, navigation, foraging, and other everyday activities. The goal is to build policies and practices that cut emissions while also reducing risk to marine life through intentional planning, mitigation, and cooperation across all industries involved. ➡️ Resolution 6.2 (Rev.MOP10): https://www.ascobans.org/.../adverse-effects-underwater... ➡️ Resolution 8.6 (Rev.MOP10): https://www.ascobans.org/document/ocean-energy-1 Read more about the International Day of Clean Energy: ➡️ https://www.un.org/en/observances/clean-energy-day 📷: © Canva

#InternationalDayOfCleanEnergy

As offshore renewables expand, ASCOBANS highlights the importance of managing impacts on cetaceans, incl. underwater noise 🔊

➡️ At MOP10, Parties adopted resolutions on noise during offshore RE construction & on ocean energy: www.ascobans.org/meeting/mop1...

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At the 10th Meeting of the Parties (MOP10) in Odense, ASCOBANS Parties came together to address pressing conservation challenges for marine life. One of the key resolutions focused on the Conservation of Beaked Whales, a vulnerable group of cetaceans that is particularly sensitive to human impacts. The resolution emphasizes actions to reduce threats such as underwater noise, bycatch, and pollution. It highlights the importance of enhanced monitoring, noise mitigation, and designated protected areas as part of a broader strategy to support beaked whale conservation. Overall, it underlines the role of international cooperation in protecting these elusive and ecologically important species. Photo © Andrea Izzotti / Adobe Stock

#MOP10throwback: At MOP10, ASCOBANS Parties adopted a resolution on conserving #beakedwhales 🐋
Resolution 10.4 highlights monitoring, noise mitigation and international cooperation to support protection measures 🌊

Read more here ➡️ www.ascobans.org/document/con...

📷: © Andrea Izzotti / Adobe Stock

That's a wrap 🎁 The 6th Meeting of the ASCOBANS Common Dolphin Group (CDG6) gathered 40+ participants over two days, who shared updates on: ✅ implementation of the Common Dolphin SAP ✅ strandings patterns ✅ bycatch ✅ other work on any hazardous substances, causes of mortality, health status, nutritional status, diet or life history analysis on the common dolphin ✅ ...and much more The agreed recommendations and the meeting report will be made available in due course on the ASCOBANS website: https://www.ascobans.org/meeting/cdg6 📷: Some of the CDG6 participants on Day 2. ©️ ASCOBANS Secretariat

That's a wrap 🎁

The 6th Meeting of the ASCOBANS Common Dolphin Group gathered 40+ participants to share updates on:
✅implementation of the action plan
✅strandings
✅bycatch
✅+ much more

The recommendations & meeting report will be available in due course ➡️ www.ascobans.org/meeting/cdg6

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🐬CDG6 started today ! It is the first ASCOBANS meeting of 2026 📑 The 6th Meeting of the Steering Group for the ASCOBANS Species Action Plan for the North-East Atlantic Common Dolphin (Common Dolphin Group or CDG), is held online from 13–14 January 2026. Across the two days, the CDG will review progress under the species action plan, hear about complementary initiatives, and focus on what it will take to move the implementation of conservation actions forward. Meeting page➡️ https://www.ascobans.org/meeting/cdg6 Common Dolphin SAP ➡️ https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/ascobans-species-action-plan-north-east-atlantic-common-dolphin 📷 © Nicola Hodgins / WDC

The first ASCOBANS meeting of 2026 started today! 🐬
The 6th Meeting of the Steering Group for the ASCOBANS Species Action Plan for the North-East Atlantic #CommonDolphin meets online 13-14 Jan to review progress in implementation, hear about complementary initiatives & focus on conservation actions.

New year, new skills benefiting people and wildlife! 🎓🐘

Enrol in Connectivity 101, a free self-paced course. Learn the basics on ecological connectivity along with tools, strategies and approaches for conserving and restoring habitats & ecosystem processes: www.learningfornature.org/en/courses/c...

Looking for an internship at the heart of migratory species conservation? The CMS Secretariat in Bonn is offering multiple full-time internships (3-6 months) in the Aquatic Species Team in 2026 - including at ASCOBANS 🌊🐬🐋🦈🐢🦭🦦

Apply today! (or by 16 January 2026)➡️
careers.un.org/jobSearchDes...

The orca occurs also in the ASCOBANS Area 💙 #dolphins

🐬 Season’s Greetings & Happy New Year 2026 from the ASCOBANS Secretariat!

This year our thanks for organising the ASCOBANS Season’s Greetings card competition goes to #CoalitionCleanBaltic and @oceancare.bsky.social. The winning entry enclosed was created by Amia von Arenberg - congratulations! 🎉

🔊 We are hiring!

Applications are invited for the post of Executive Secretary at the Helsinki Commission Secretariat. The post, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, will become vacant on 1 February 2027.

Apply by 22 March 2026.

Vacancy announcement 👉 buff.ly/CpiN6AL

New research involving CIBBRiNA partners is shedding valuable light on marine mammal #bycatch. 🐳

A recent paper in the ICES Journal of Marine Science focusing on #EU waters explores how long-term stranding network data can add to our understanding of where & how much bycatch is happening.

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JCRM is the IWC’s scientific journal. Our latest volume, includes papers on the impact of climate change on migratory whale species & potential solutions to reduce the threat of entanglement for North Atlantic right whales. journal.iwc.int/index.php/jc...
#jcrm #whales #whalescience

Discover outcomes of @ascobans.bsky.social workshops on MPA management for cetaceans + a practical toolbox to translate threats into SMART conservation objectives & measures.

Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SxT...
Download: protectbaltic.eu/ascobans-sma...
Read: protectbaltic.eu/news/f/prote...

🎥 Materials now available!

If you missed the webinar on strengthening MPA management for small cetaceans 🐬 you can watch the full recording and access the presentation.

🔷 Presentation: protectbaltic.eu/ascobans-sma...
👉 Watch here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SxT...

Today, ASCOBANS is co-hosting a webinar with HELCOM and PROTECT BALTIC on 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 – 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗣𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🐬 ✨ The webinar presents an opportunity to explore the outcomes of the ASCOBANS Workshops* on the Management of MPAs for Small Cetaceans – where experts from across Europe developed innovative, evidence-based tools for Marine Protected Area (MPA) management * 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/second-ascobans-workshop-management-mpas-small-cetaceans 🔹 Learn about new management approaches and international standards 🔹 Get inspired to apply fresh tools for small cetacean conservation 📽️ The recording will be made available online - follow us to get a notification when the link is posted!

Today, we are co-hosting a webinar with @helcominfo.bsky.social and @protectbaltic.bsky.social on 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗹 #𝗰𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗰𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀 – 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗦𝗖𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽𝘀* 𝗼𝗻 #𝗠𝗣𝗔 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 🐬

📽️ The recording will be made available online - follow us for notification!

* tinyurl.com/bdy2atsu

@cms.int

New CIBBRiNA report out!

A dizzying array of measures have been developed & trialled with the aim of reducing #bycatch of #ETP species. Our report catalogues & breaks these down according to their relevance to different #fishing gears, regions, species, & socio-economic contexts in Europe.

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For migratory wildlife, rising heat, extreme weather and disrupted waters are shrinking habitats, cutting food and undermining ecosystem services.

As #ClimateChange #COP30 ends, we must put migratory species at the heart of climate action. 🌍🐋

More on these impacts: www.cms.int/news/global-...

Research shows underwater noise from vessels drowns out clicks & whistles narwhals rely on to navigate, feed & communicate. Slower speeds, rerouting around sensitive areas and quieter propellers, hulls & engines can all help quiet the ocean for migratory species: www.theguardian.com/environment/...

This week, CMS and ASCOBANS are at the 9th Meeting of the Parties to ACCOBAMS.

On the agenda: long-term monitoring of cetaceans, reducing bycatch, tackling underwater noise & vessel strikes, improving response to strandings, and addressing debris & pollution.

More at accobams.org/meetings/9th...

We are deeply saddened by the passing of UN Messenger of Peace Dr. Jane Goodall.

Her life’s work championing conservation, humanity and the natural world leaves an enduring legacy.

Our condolences to her family, the Jane Goodall Institute and all who draw hope from her example.

The 29th Meeting of the ASCOBANS Advisory Committee took place last week - thank you to the 69 participants who joined the sessions in the course of three days! The 42 agreed action points, recommendations and decisions are available on the AC29 page here: https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/action-points-and-recommendations-29th-meeting-ascobans-advisory-committee Among those, the AC decided: 🔵 to establish a Working Group on Cetacean Culture, to consider the potential importance of social learning and culture for cetacean conservation in the ASCOBANS region. The group will liaise with the CMS Expert Working Group on Animal Culture; 🔵 to task the Joint Noise Working Group of CMS, ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS to review new information on noise emitted by seismic surveys and the extent of ultra-short baseline (USBL) signals and underwater acoustic positioning systems; 🔵 that the Intersessional Working Group on Unusual Mortality Events (UME) and Mass Stranding Events (MSE) would report to AC30. Let's not forget that two massive reports were submitted for the AC to note: 🟦 A Review of Available Information on White-beaked Dolphin and Atlantic White-sided Dolphin 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/review-available-information-white-beaked-dolphin-and-atlantic-white-sided-dolphin 🟦 Overcoming Challenges to Protect Beaked Whales in the Northeast Atlantic 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/overcoming-challenges-protect-beaked-whales-northeast-atlantic-%E2%80%93-ascobans-intersessional-0 ☑️☑️ The AC endorsed the recommendations within both reports. The AC29 report will be available on the ASCOBANS website in due course: https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29 𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲! The next meeting of the Advisory Committee (AC30) is tentatively scheduled for 1-3 September 2026. The venue will be announced later. 📷: ©️ ASCOBANS Secretariat

The 29th meeting of our Advisory Committee took place last week - thank you to all who joined in the course of 3 days!

Outcomes 👉 www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/a... (report will follow) 🐬

@cms.int | @ospar.bsky.social | @helcominfo.bsky.social | @iwc-whales.bsky.social | @icesmarine.bsky.social

Animal culture discussed at AC29 this morning!

Defined as 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘳 - 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯 𝘢 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 - 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘤𝘪𝘧𝘪𝘤𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘮 𝘰𝘧 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨, evidence of animal culture is found in many cetaceans🐬

➡️ royalsocietypublishing.org/toc/rstb/202...

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AC29 is now underway! 🎉 From 16–18 September, the Advisory Committee is meeting online. One of its tasks is to review reports on pressures and threats to small cetaceans, as outlined in UNEP/ASCOBANS Resolution 10.1 on National Reporting. Stay tuned for updates on key outcomes! The adopted Action Points and Recommendations will be posted on the ASCOBANS website after the meeting. Learn more: https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29

AC29 is now underway! 🎉

From 16–18 September, the Advisory Committee is meeting online to review reports on pressures to small cetaceans, including noise, ocean energy, unexploded ordnance.

👉 Keep updated on key outcomes here: www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/a...

📷© IrkIngwer /Adobe Stock

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🌊 Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP) will be a key topic at AC29 next week. MSP must be based on a functional understanding of marine ecosystems and ensure that all human activities are compatible with maintaining healthy, biodiverse seas. Cetacean-sensitive MSP is vital to achieving and maintaining their Favorable Conservation Status. This means: – Clear long-term strategies aligned with conservation goals – Strong spatial and temporal coordination – Flexibility to adapt to ecosystem and knowledge changes – Step-by-step implementation with regular evaluation – Rigorous use of the mitigation hierarchy (avoid, minimize, remediate, offset) – Thorough environmental impact assessments at both plan and project levels Learn more in the ASCOBANS resolution on MSP 👉 https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/maritime-spatial-planning AC29 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29

At AC29, Parties will report on Maritime Spatial Planning 🌊

Cetacean-sensitive MSP includes long-term strategy, spatial & temporal coordination, dynamic adaptation, incremental planning, mitigation, & environmental impact assessments.
👉 ascobans.org/en/document/maritime-spatial-planning

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Unexploded ordnance (UXO) dumped at sea during wars pose risks to cetacean populations 💣 Large quantities of ammunition are still found throughout the ASCOBANS Area. For example, in German waters of the North and Baltic Seas, an estimated amount about 1.6 million tons of conventional munitions and 5,000 tons of chemical warfare is still lying dormant. UXO removal by blasting represents a particular hazard to cetaceans as high sound pressure and explosion-related shock waves can lead to severe injury and hearing impairment. The animals and their habitats may also be affected by chemicals released due to the explosion or from decaying weapons. UXO is a key point of discussion at AC29, happening online 16-18 September 2025. 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29 Read more: ASCOBANS Resolution 8.8 𝘈𝘥𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘵𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘰𝘮 𝘜𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘸𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘔𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴: https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/addressing-threats-underwater-munitions

Unexploded ordnance—a key issue at AC29—still litter ASCOBANS waters. Underwater blasting to clear them emits intense sound that can harm cetaceans + chemicals from decay or detonation add further pressure 💣

🔗 www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/a...

@cms.int @helcominfo.bsky.social @ospar.bsky.social

Offshore wind, tidal, and wave energy are vital renewable sources for combating climate change, but they can also pose risks to small cetaceans. Across the whole lifecycle of ocean energy development—from construction, operation, to decommission—ocean energy projects can introduce underwater noise, increase collision risks, and cause displacement or injury for marine mammals. The magnitude of these impacts is still poorly understood, making careful planning and strong mitigation measures essential to protect marine life. At AC29, Parties will report on this growing pressure to small cetaceans. 🔗 https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29 Learn more: 🧰 UNEP/ASCOBANS Resolution on Ocean Energy: https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/ocean-energy-1 🧰 UNEP/ASCOBANS Resolution on Adverse Effects of Underwater Noise on Marine Mammals during Offshore Construction Activities for Renewable Energy Production: https://www.ascobans.org/en/document/adverse-effects-underwater-noise-marine-mammals-during-offshore-construction-activities-0

Offshore renewable energy—a key agenda topic at AC29—helps fight climate change, but can harm cetaceans through noise, collisions, & habitat disruption. Careful planning & strong mitigation measures are necessary 🧰

ASCOBANS Resolution on Ocean Energy 🔗 www.ascobans.org/en/document/...

@cms.int

Impulsive noise is intense, short pulses of very loud sound, repeated over a period of time. This type of underwater noise pollution often occurs from pile-driving for offshore construction (featured here in the graphic), seismic surveys, and explosions triggered to dispose of underwater munitions. Impulsive noise can cause direct injuries to cetaceans, ranging from bruising to organ rupture and death. It can also cause hearing damage –permanent or temporary– directly impacting their ability to survive. This topic will be a key agenda point discussed at the upcoming 29th Meeting of the ASCOBANS Advisory Committee: https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29

🔊 Impulsive #noise –short, intense pulses of very loud sound from pile driving, seismic surveys, underwater explosions– can injure 🐬🐋 causing temporary or permanent hearing loss, bruising, organ rupture or death.

This topic will be a key agenda item at the upcoming AC29 🔗ascobans.org

@cms.int

Continuous underwater noise - such as from shipping - puts pressure on small cetaceans. https://www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/ac29

👂 Cetaceans rely on sound to communicate, navigate, to find food. Continuous #underwaternoise – such as from shipping and ferry traffic – can cause disturbance and displacement.

🧾 The ASCOBANS AC will review countries' reports & new information on the topic at its 29th meeting on 16-18 Sept 2025.

🐬 Reminder! Registration for AC29

The 29ᵗʰ Meeting of the ASCOBANS Advisory Committee (AC29) will be held online, 16–18 September 2025. Parties and approved observer organisations can still register, by 17 August 2025.

🔗 Register via the meeting page: www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/a...

📣 The countdown is on to ASCOBANS AC29!

Countries will come together to report on key pressures & threats facing small cetaceans in the Baltic, NE Atlantic, Irish and North Seas:

🌊 Ocean energy
💣 UXOs
🔊 Underwater noise
🗺️ Marine spatial planning

Learn more: 🔗 www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/a...