The programs of Longitude 181.

Longitude 181 launches its CACHALOTS study program!

Why a sperm whale study program?

Longitude 181 wishes to make “the voice of the ocean” heard. It chooses to give voice to the most fragile marine species because their presence signifies the health status of ecosystems and their preservation requires the preservation of all other species.

Longitude 181 is developing three study, information and preservation programs: " Great Mediterranean sharks "," Manta rays and mobulas rays"And" Sperm whales in the Indian Ocean ».

Why then sharks, manta rays and sperm whales?

• These species, whose sexual maturity is late and the fertility very low, are among the most fragile. They disappear first, when the ecosystem is disturbed or exploited, in favor of species whose sexual maturity is early and fertility is high (eg jellyfish).
• These species all have a long life span (beyond 50 years) are very simple indicators of the health status of ecosystems. The presence of large older individuals undeniably signifies the good health of the ecosystem. On the other hand, their absence almost certainly reflects a strong disturbance. If the prey is lacking, or if the rate of exploitation is too high, these animals do not have time to grow old, and the older adults are no longer replaced. The whole ecosystem must be " stable And rich so that big animals can grow old in peace.
• Anything we can do to allow these species to grow old in peace will help preserve all ecosystems which these species depend on.

Why sperm whales?

The preservation of stingrays and sharks will favor surface ecosystems, that of sperm whales will require the preservation of squid populations from the depths they feed on. And as a result, will limit in the future an irrational exploitation of deep ecosystems.

The return of the sperm whale is a magnificent symbol of the success of the protective measures taken 30 years ago, by the moratorium on cetacean hunting in 1980. The current revival of sperm whale populations shows that, if we want, we can change the course of things and that it costs nothing! It is enough to stop attacking wild life to offer our children a richer sea than the one we know today.

We are at a historic turning point in our relationship with sperm whales. Formerly these great cetaceans were fleeing the boats. The current generation did not know the hunt any more than the previous one who did not teach him the fear of men. Today we can study sperm whales at home underwater because they welcome us among them if we approach them with respect.

A new alliance is possible which demonstrates that the natural wild state is not flight or aggression but that the interaction between species is naturally peaceful, and that this "peace" enriches and calms us, us men.