Toulon, France – 9 June 2026

The Scientific and Technical Committee (STC) of the Pelagos Agreement held its 18th meeting on 9 June 2026 at the Residence of the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean in Toulon, France. The meeting brought together the delegations of the three Parties to the Agreement, France, Italy and the Principality of Monaco, as well as partners and observers engaged in the conservation of marine mammals in the Mediterranean.

The meeting was opened by the Maritime Prefect of the Mediterranean, who recalled the essential role of the STC, whose scientific advice and recommendations inform the decisions of the Parties and contribute to adapting management and conservation responses.

The work of the STC reflects the vitality of transnational cooperation within the Pelagos Sanctuary, based on continuous dialogue among public authorities, the scientific community and stakeholders involved in the protection of the marine environment.

The 18th STC meeting also marked an important step in the scientific governance of the Agreement with the handover of the Committee’s chairmanship from Italy to France. Participants acknowledged the commitment and valuable work carried out by Caterina Fortuna during her mandate and welcomed Léa David, who will serve as Chair of the Committee for the next two years.

The Pelagos Secretariat thanks the Parties and the Maritime Prefecture of the Mediterranean for their contribution to the organization of this meeting.