Σταχτοδέλφινα στα βάθη του Αιγαίου

Added: 2026-06-01

[00:00:22]Risso's dolphins migrate through the Mediterranean Sea in small pods, typically over deep underwater canyons and trenches.

[00:00:32]They possess exceptional diving abilities as they can descend to depths of over 300 m and hold their breath for over 30 minutes.

[00:00:43]One of the key hotspots for Risso's dolphins in the Aian Sea is the Icaran Trench, a deep canyon that still supports exceptional marine biodiversity.

[00:00:54]Risso's dolphin is the largest dolphin species found in Greek waters, reaching up to 4 m in length and weighing as much as 500 kg.

[00:01:04]They can be recognized by their distinctive white scars, marks from social interactions with other dolphins and from squid hunts.

[00:01:13]For more than 25 years, the research team at the Archipelagos Institute of Marine Conservation has been monitoring the migration of these charismatic marine mammals by collecting behavioral footage and photo identification data.

[00:01:29]Born dark gray, they grow whiter with age, each scar revealing their life story.

[00:01:39]With one of the largest brains among dolphins, they form strong social bonds and communicate through highly complex vocalizations through whistles, clicks, and burst pulses. They create a vibrant underwater soundsscape.

[00:02:01]By collecting audio recordings, Archipelagos researchers capture their intricate vocalizations visualized through spectrograms that reveal how they communicate beneath the surface and deep within the trench.

[00:02:17]Like many other marine species, they are increasingly threatened by by catch, ship traffic, and underwater noise pollution. As a result, the Mediterranean subop of Risso's dolphin is listed as endangered on the IUCN red list.

[00:02:34]Extensive bottom trolling has also triggered a decline in prey populations, making life increasingly difficult, not only for Risso's dolphins, but for every species that relies on the deep waters of the Aian. It is crucial to realize that the protection of marine life is a responsibility we all share.

[00:02:54]What's needed now is the immediate enforcement of effective conservation measures. Real action in the water, not just promises on paper, before the damage done on our watch becomes irreversible.