Ecotourism is Protecting Sperm Whales in the Mediterranean Sea

In the deep waters surrounding the island of Ischia, ecotourism is playing a critical role in safeguarding one of the ocean’s most iconic yet endangered creatures: the sperm whale.

In the Mediterranean, sperm whale populations have declined by over 70%, with only an estimated 200 to 300 individuals remaining.

This makes every conservation effort—like those supported by responsible tourism—crucial to the species’ survival.

Understanding the Threats

Sperm whales in the Tyrrhenian Sea face increasing dangers driven by human activity. Two of the most pressing threats are collisions and bycatch.

Collisions: Fast-moving commercial and recreational vessels pose a serious threat to whales, often leading to fatal injuries when boats strike unsuspecting animals.

Bycatch: Fishing gear not intended for whales can accidentally entangle them, causing stress, injury, or even drowning.

The Role of Ecotourism in Protection and Monitoring

Ecotourism around Ischia is more than just whale watching—it's a form of active conservation. Tourism revenue helps fund research, marine area protection, and public education. In turn, these efforts directly contribute to reducing threats and promoting species resilience.

Monitoring to Protect

Understanding sperm whale behaviour is key to protecting them. Ongoing monitoring helps researchers track migration patterns, feeding habits, and population health. This insight enables timely responses to threats and better policy decisions.

Travellers as Conservation Allies

Today’s ecotourism invites visitors to be part of the solution. Here's how:

Monitor: Travellers aboard guided tours use hydrophones and other acoustic tools to listen for whale calls and help track movement.

Register: Sightings are logged and shared with conservation databases, helping build long-term records of sperm whale presence in the area.

Take a closer look

Check out this video of the experience.

Explore with Impact

Through platforms like socialbnb, travellers can choose experiences that support local conservation projects. Your trip can be more than a vacation—it can be a contribution to the survival of a species.