Whales of Southern Crete, Greece

One of a kind!

The presence of sperm whales in Southern Crete is related to the very steep underwater cliffs that exist near the coastline. At these depths, deep-living squids on which sperm whales feed, are abundant. Research has shown that Southern Crete is the only known area in the world where social groups (i.e. females and their offspring) and solitary males co-exist all year round. The most plausible explanation for this unique phenomenon is that living conditions in this area are ideal for sperm whales.

[05] SPERM-WHALE OBSERVATORY WORKING IN SOUTH CRETE

Chania, 11 August 2000

In an area documented as one of the largest habitats of cetaceans, a sperm-whale observatory has been established by the Institute of Whale Research "Pelagos" in south Crete, providing unprecedented eco-tourism opportunities for the general public.

The "Pelagos" institute, a non-profit organization which engages in sperm-whale study and conservation programs, has been offering week-long programs for sighting and observing these giants of the sea in the region between Paleochora and Gavdos. The programs, which got underway in June, will be in effect until the end of September.

The sperm whale (Physeter) is the largest of all the toothed whales, with an enormous head almost 35% of it's total body length. It can measure up to 18 meters in length, with its weight reaching 44 tons.

While the world has celebrated and sung of whales and dolphins for centuries, the first person to write about them was the Greek philosopher, Aristotle, who in 350 BC described whales, dolphins, and porpoises as cetaceans and distinguished them from fish.

Also, it has been said that the ancient Greeks were the first to carry out non-lethal or benign research on marine mammals.

In addition to providing the public with sperm-whale sightseeing opportunities, "Pelagos" aims to conduct and promote scientific research concerning cetaceans and their habitat in Greece and the Mediterranean, disseminate the resulting data, protect and safeguard marine ecosystems and sensitize the general public.

A.F.