Dead beaked whale on the coast of Cyprus - isolated case or another warning signal?
Dead beaked whale on the coast of Cyprus - isolated case or another warning signal?
The recent discovery of a dead beaked whale near Akanthou in Famagusta district is reminiscent of an extraordinary event in February 2023:
At that time, at least seven to eight dead Cuvier's beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) washed up on the west coast of Cyprus in the Polis area. For the eastern Mediterranean, this was considered a rare and conspicuous incident. The animals were taken to a research center for examination.
At the same time, severe earthquakes shook Turkey and Syria. At the time, experts discussed a possible connection between the seismic activities and the disorientation of the animals. However, clear evidence has not been published.
Now another male beaked whale - about five meters long and weighing around 1.5 tons - has been found dead. According to Kemal Basat, director of the Tashkent Nature Park, the animal will be taken to necropsy to clarify the exact cause of death.
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Are beaked whales native to the Mediterranean?
Yes. The Cuvier's beaked whale in particular is widespread throughout the Mediterranean. It is considered the most common beaked whale species in the region - even if you hardly get to see it.
The reason: These animals prefer to live in deep-sea areas with a water depth of several thousand meters. Around Cyprus there are such steeply sloping marine zones, which are considered suitable habitats.
In the shallow coastal area of the eastern Mediterranean, however, they are rarely found - stranding is therefore particularly noticeable.
How old do beaked whales get?
According to current scientific estimates, Cuvier's beaked whales reach an age of about 40 to 60 years.
Males grow to a length of between five and seven metres and can weigh up to three tonnes. The animal now found was thus within the normal range of an adult male.
Is it "normal" for such animals to strand?
Yes – individual strandings occur regularly worldwide.
Like all wild animals, marine mammals die from natural causes:
age, disease, parasite infestation, injuries or lack of food.
A single find is therefore not an unusual event at first.
The situation is different with mass strandings. Beaked whales are considered to be particularly sensitive to underwater noise.
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Sonar, earthquake or coincidence?
There are three scientifically discussed influencing factors:
- Military sonar
Studies show that strong sonar pulses can trigger panic reactions in beaked whales. The animals then ascend too quickly, which can lead to decompression sickness – comparable to a diving accident. - Seismic activity
Beaked whales are extreme deep divers and use echolocation. Strong earthquakes or seismic explorations could theoretically disrupt their orientation. The connection with the 2023 earthquakes was discussed, but not conclusively proven. - Industrial underwater noise or environmental factors
These include offshore exploration, shipping traffic or ecological pollution.
It is important to note that without autopsy results, any cause remains speculation.
Conclusion:
Beaked whales are native to the Mediterranean Sea and can live up to 60 years.
Several dead animals in a short time, on the other hand, are always a warning signal - and must be scientifically investigated.
The current case in Akanthou is initially an isolated find. Whether it is part of a larger pattern or simply a natural death will only be revealed by the investigation.
In the sensitive ecosystem of the Eastern Mediterranean, however, every dead deep-sea diver is more than just a side note – it is an indication of how little we still know about life at great depths.
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Author: MF- Redaktion - M. Weyermann
Source: CyprusMail /
