Multisource Monitoring of Mediterranean Cetaceans

This project will develop an integrated and cost-effective framework for cetacean monitoring by combining passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), visual surveys, and environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. Water-based genetic sampling, coupled with rapid species identification through Sanger sequencing and High-Resolution Melting (HRM), will enable the detection of both vocalizing and non-visible individuals, improving spatial and seasonal resolution of cetacean occurrence.
The study will be conducted in the Ischia and Ventotene Important Marine Mammal Area (IMMA), a Mediterranean biodiversity hotspot that includes the Cuma submarine canyon, known for its high productivity and long-term presence of multiple cetacean species. Field activities will be carried out in close cooperation with the non-profit association Oceanomare Delphis, which has been conducting systematic cetacean surveys in the area since 1991. By integrating long-term observational datasets with innovative genetic tools, the project will enhance regional knowledge of cetacean distribution and provide robust, interoperable data to support conservation actions and future Digital Twin Ocean applications.