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ASCOBANS

@ascobans.bsky.social

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Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas (ASCOBANS). A treaty of the United Nations. #UNEP #MigratorySpecies

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Mar 14

Hello, BlueSky! 🌍

We're the Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas 🌊🌊

Follow us for what's going on at ASCOBANS and for related stories, science & actions to safeguard #whales, #dolphins and #porpoises! 🐬

Photo: Harbour porpoise by Tilen Genov / Morigenos

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

UN Environment Programme @unep.org · 7d

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.

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · 16d

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

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

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · 22d

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...

@cms.int

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · 23d

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

@cms.int

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

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Sep 9

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

@cms.int

🌊 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

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Sep 1

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

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

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Aug 26

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

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

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Aug 20

🔊 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

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

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Aug 13

👂 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.

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

ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Aug 12

🐬 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...

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Aug 5

📣 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...

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

Lewis Pugh Foundation @lewispughfdn.bsky.social · Aug 1

It's Marine Protected Areas Day.

MPAs are effective in -

🐟Safeguarding biodiversity
🪸Protecting food security
🌻Building climate resilience

The world has pledged to protect 30% by 2030.
Sustained pressure, ambition, and focus are critical if we’re to achieve the #30x30 goal.
#MPADay

Underwater photograph of a vibrant coral reef ecosystem with multiple species of hard and soft corals in various colors including white, purple, and green. Numerous small orange and yellow fish swim throughout the reef structure against a deep blue ocean background. The image showcases the rich biodiversity that Marine Protected Areas help preserve.

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) @cms.int · Jul 30

Today we welcomed Parliamentary State Secretary Mr. Carsten Träger from Germany’s @umweltministerium.de to meet with our Secretariat and Agreements at UN Bonn. 🇩🇪

We thank Mr. Träger and his delegation for his visit and for supporting our mission to safeguard migratory species & their habitats. 🐦🦇🐬

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Jun 5

Plastics pose serious threats to cetaceans through:
🚫 ingestion
🥅 entanglement
🧪 chemical contamination
🌊 habitat disruption.

Today 5 June is #WorldEnvironmentDay - and this year it's about taking action to end plastic pollution.

Join the #BeatPlasticPollution movement:
worldenvironmentday.global

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) @cms.int · May 19

Safeguarding the chain of habitats along migratory routes and keeping human use within sustainable limits is essential for migratory species across the world. 🐳

Thursday 22 May is the International #BiodiversityDay!

Find out more at www.cbd.int/biodiversity... or @unbiodiversity.bsky.social

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · May 18

It's the International Day of the Baltic Harbour Porpoise (#IDBHP)! 🐬

The Baltic's only native cetacean species, the #HarbourPorpoise is critically endangered in the Baltic Proper with only a few 100 remaining 🆘

More: www.ascobans.org/en/news/inte...
About #IDBHP : www.ascobans.org/en/campaign/...

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · May 13

🐳 We are at the 36th Conference of the European Cetacean Society in Ponta Delgada, Azores!

💡Yesterday we hosted a lively workshop, brainstorming novel conservation & awareness-raising approaches to #SavetheBalticPorpoise 🐬

💙 Thank-you to all the participants!

#ECSconference2025 #IDBHP

Full house at the workshop. © ASCOBANS Secretariat

Brainstorming ideas. © ASCOBANS Secretariat

Workshop participants. © ASCOBANS Secretariat

Reposted by ASCOBANS

ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Sea @icesmarine.bsky.social · May 5

Could integrating human behaviour into the conservation of marine resources hold the potential to tackle pressing challenges in sustainability & ensure the longevity of our oceans for generations to come?
📄Read what the Working Group on Maritime Systems #WGMARS say
👉 www.ices.dk/news-and-eve...

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

Oceana UK @oceanauk.bsky.social · May 6

Heartbreaking 💔 Thousands of whales, dolphins & porpoises die caught in fishing gear in UK waters each year. This has to stop.

The Environmental Investigation Agency's new report suggests #bycatch solutions that could lead to thousands saved every year.

🐋 eia-international.org/report/catch...

Cetacean caught up in fishing gear as bycatch, washed up on the UK coastline. © CSIP-ZSL

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · May 2

The International Day of the Baltic Harbour Porpoise #IDBHP takes place on the 3rd Sunday in May, to increase public awareness of the #HarbourPorpoise population in the #Baltic Proper, which is threatened with extinction.

📆 18 May 2025. Tag us in your IDBHP event!

See also fb.me/e/5Cerzrfaa

Read more at https://www.ascobans.org/en/campaign/international-day-baltic-harbour-porpoise

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Apr 29

The 13th Meeting of the ASCOBANS North Sea Group (NSG) concluded today🐬

🎤 The NSG discussed #harbourporpoise conservation activities in the #NorthSea, bycatch, health, strandings +much more...

📑Recommendations & meeting report will be available in due course ➡️ www.ascobans.org/en/meeting/n...

NSG13 participants. © ASCOBANS Secretariat. (10+ participants are missing from the group photo, which was taken at the end of the meeting.)

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

ICES - International Council for the Exploration of the Sea @icesmarine.bsky.social · Apr 29

🌊The North Sea is busier than ever & smart planning is essential.
🔎Join ICES Workshop on Cumulative Impact Assessments
✅Review tools & methods, recommend appropriate tools for cumulative impact assessments
🗓6–9 May 2025 ICES Hq, Copenhagen
➡️ ices.dk/community/gr...
#GNSBI

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

CIBBRiNA @cibbrina.bsky.social · Mar 11

The Baltic Proper harbour porpoise faces significant threats from #bycatch, but protecting them is possible. 🐬

Advice by @icesmarine.bsky.social identifies gears and locations where #mitigation measures would be most effective, recommending enhanced monitoring to close data gaps. loom.ly/4pXdg8A

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Reposted by ASCOBANS

Whale and Dolphin Conservation (International) @whalesorg.bsky.social · Apr 9

Happy #WorldUnicornDay! 🦄
The ocean has its own unicorn - meet the narwhal, a tusked Arctic wonder!
📷 Minden Pictures

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ASCOBANS @ascobans.bsky.social · Apr 9

📣 Top job available at the Convention on Migratory Species! 🐋🦈🐳🐟🐢🦅🦉🦒🦍

➡️See details in careers.un.org/jobSearchDes...

PS. Did you know that the Executive Secretary of CMS is also the Exec Sec of ASCOBANS? 🐬

Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) @cms.int · Apr 8

#JobOpportunity! Are you passionate about migratory animals and have international managerial experience?

Join the CMS Secretariat and lead species conservation from a global perspective!

Click to apply by 17 May 2025: careers.un.org/jobSearchDes...

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