SPERM WHALE (PHYSETER MACROCEPHALUS) SIGHTINGS IN THE AEGEAN AND MEDITERRANEAN PART OF TURKISH WATERS

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sightings in the Aegean and Mediterranean part of Turkish waters

Ayaka Amaha Öztürk, Arda M. Tonay, Ayhan Dede

Faculty of Fisheries, Istanbul University, Ordu St., No: 200, 34470, Laleli, Istanbul, TURKEY
Turkish Marine Research Foundation (TUDAV), P. O. Box: 10, Beykoz, Istanbul, TURKEY

Abstract

Between 1994 and 2012, 43 sightings of sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) were reported in the Turkish part of the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea. Most of the sightings were located near the Fethiye Canyon which is one of the deepest parts of the Mediterranean Sea. The eastern limit of the sperm whale sighting in the Turkish part of the Mediterranean Sea is Alanya and the northern limit is Gökçeada in the northern Aegean Sea.

Keywords: Sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus, Aegean Sea, Mediterranean Sea, distribution, Turkish waters

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