Dolphins spotted on Cyprus Shores

June 14, 2017

Five different species of whale and dolphin have been seen swimming within Cyprus’ marine environment in the context of a European programme aiming to collect information about the different species of cetaceans one comes across in the area. 

In the context of the programme there were confirmed sightings of the species sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus), striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), Risso`s dolphin (Grampus griseus), rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) and bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), a Fisheries Department press release says

It is further noted that three different research expeditions took place in August 2016, October 2016 and May 2017 and covered a region of up to fifty nautical miles west and southern of Cyprus, using a vessel which could carry 10 people.

This, the press release adds, “is the first research conducted exclusively by the Republic of Cyprus.”

Its findings will be published and are expected to help fill in the gaps of the scientific community on these marine species which are to be found in
the Eastern Mediterranean region and therefore to enhance the efforts for their protection and conservation.

The programme is funded by 75% from the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund 2014 – 2020 and by 25% from national funds.

source: CNA