Sperm Whale 

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) occur regularly in the Greek Seas in steep slopes and great depths. The Hellenic Trench is the core habitat for the species where mesopelagic cephalopods, the species’ preferred prey, are most abundant. Their population is decreasing and estimated to 150-190 individuals therefore the species is considered as Endangered (EN) under criterion D.

Sperm whales in the Greek Seas are threatened by several human activities. Collisions with large vessels have been reported to act as a major threat for the species (Frantzis et al. 2014). In addition, anthropogenic noise, seismic surveys and ingestion of plastics also affect the populations’ survival.