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A year of initiatives to learn about and protect cetaceans 

The Wednesday afternoon meeting is just one of the many initiatives that the Municipality of Sassari will implement throughout 2025 with ImPelaghiamoci, aiming to raise awareness among people of all ages about these magnificent animals, which are essential to the ecosystem. 

To carry out the project, the Municipality of Sassari is supported by the scientific expertise of the MEDSEA Foundation and other organizations involved in research and dissemination. The initiative stems from the commitment of the Municipality of Sassari, a signatory of the Pelagos Agreement, made possible through funding from the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, with the goal of promoting knowledge and protection of this unique marine area. "Northern Sardinia is a particularly important area due to the widespread presence of different cetacean species," states Councilor Pierluigi Salis, emphasizing that these marine megafauna species find food and ideal living conditions in this part of the Mediterranean due to a combination of favorable environmental factors. 

From February 10, large billboard advertisements will appear in Sassari to promote knowledge about marine mammals, their threats, and best practices for observing them at sea. 

On the official social media channels of the Municipality of Sassari, the series “Pelagos Wednesdays” will deliver bite-sized information and insights about whales and dolphins. 

 
In May, following last year's success, a photographic exhibition will be held again at Palazzo Ducale, and during the summer, an event dedicated to the voices of the sea is planned. 

The billboard and social media campaign, linked to a QR code leading to the webpage bit.ly/impelaghiamoci, is designed by MEDSEA designer Davide Porta, with illustrations by Irene Magi. The campaign will follow four main themes from February to October: 

1. Get to know the resident cetaceans of the Pelagos Sanctuary 

1. What threatens the existence of cetaceans today? 

1. Rules for cetacean watching at sea 

1. Comprehensive information on the Pelagos Sanctuary 

Special attention will be given to younger generations. Schools will play a key role, with dedicated courses and laboratory activities. A group of high school students will explore marine biology, while teachers from all city schools have been invited to training sessions to transfer this knowledge to their students. 

In spring, students and teachers will take part in an activity in the waters of the Gulf of Asinara, where a marine biologist and an authorized whale-watching operator in the Pelagos Sanctuary will lead hands-on training on identifying marine mammals in open water. 

Additionally, meetings between institutions and technical experts will provide space for sharing experiences and ideas to promote interinstitutional cooperation. 

What is the Pelagos Sanctuary? 

The Pelagos Sanctuary was established by an agreement signed in 1999 between France, Italy, and the Principality of Monaco for the conservation of cetaceans and biodiversity. Covering 87,500 km², it includes the waters of the Ligurian Sea, the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea, and the Sardinian Sea. It is home to eight species of cetaceans and, occasionally, the Mediterranean monk seal. 

Picture Pelagos Sanctuary from https://pelagos-sanctuary.org/ 

Cetaceans Pics by Laura Pintore