Action for marine mammal preservation now includes Portugal, Egypt and Montenegro.

Every 3 years the signatories of the Accord sur la Conservation des Cetaces de la Mer Noire, de la Mediterranee et de la Zone Atlantique Adjacente (Accobams) meet in one of the member countries. From 9th to 11th November the meeting was held in Monaco, gathering together NGOs and scientific groups working to protect marine mammals.

The 5th meeting saw the Accobams action zone extended to include the coast of Portugal. Two new country members were welcomed, Montenegro and Egypt, and it's envisaged that the latter's inclusion will lead to a future extension of the agreement to the Red Sea.

Items and actions on this year's agenda included:

• reducing collisions with craft in the Mediterranean
• recognizing ocean noise levels
• training scientists in Lebanon to identify populations and put in place preservation actions
• experiments in Morocco using accoustic deterrants on fishing boats
• eco-label for companies that organize whale and dolphin watching trips

On Thursday the organization signed an agreement with Monaco's Government officially recognizing the establishment of Accobam's headquarters in Monaco.

Accobams' headquarters established in Monaco

ACCOBAMS takes off in the Atlantic

Protection of marine mammals