ACCOBAMS

ACCOBAMS is a CMS Agreement for the Conservation of Cetaceans of the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and Contiguous Atlantic Area.

The Mediterranean and Black Seas are among the most degraded marine ecosystems on earth and cetacean populations in these highly impacted regions are known to be in dramatic decline. WDCS has focused on working through ACCOBAMS, the second Agreement for whales and dolphins under Convention for Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), concluded in 1996 and entered into force in 2001.

The purpose of ACCOBAMS is to reduce regional threats to whales and dolphins. The ecosystems within the ACCOBAMS region suffer from pollution, coastal development, extensive vessel traffic, over-fishing and the impacts of introduced species. Whales and dolphins are threatened by the activities of a range of countries operating in this semi-enclosed marine system.

The aim of ACCOBAMS is to promote close cooperation amongst Parties with a view to achieving and maintaining a favorable conservation status for all whales and dolphins present in the area. WDCS is pleased to recognised as an ACCOBAMS Partner.

The full text of the Agreement can be found here

Records of the three meetings of the Parties can be found here

Records of the meetings of the ACCOBAMS Scientific Committee

Click here to read the WDCS supported ACCOBAMS Conservation Plan for short-beaked common dolphins in the Mediterranean Sea