The Pelagos Agreement is pleased to announce the winners of the call for the best master degree and PhD theses focused on the study and conservation of the ecosystem within the international marine area. This initiative, aimed at promoting scientific excellence and supporting young researchers, is part of the Sanctuary’s broader effort to enhance scientific knowledge. In detail, the Evaluation Committee recognised:

• Award for the Best master degree thesis: Giorgia Pino
• Award for the Best PhD thesis (ex aequo): Matteo Galli and Anna Borroni

Congratulations to the winners for the high quality of their scientific work and their valuable contribution to the protection and understanding of Pelagos Sanctuary.

The winners will present their research at the upcoming meeting of the Scientific and Technical Committee, scheduled for June 3-4, and will receive a monetary prize as outlined in the call.

Awarded Works

Giorgia Pino – Master Degree Thesis

Title: Acoustic characterization of long-finned pilot whales’ (Globicephala melas) pulsed calls from the North-western Mediterranean Sea
This study analyzed the complex “vocal repertoire” structure of long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) in the northwestern Pelagos Sanctuary by classifying 2120 pulsed calls (PC) recorded between 2011 and 2022. It provides a crucial foundation for future investigations into the acoustic behavior of this vulnerable species and contributes to its conservation.

Matteo Galli – PhD Thesis

Title: Development, harmonizing and application of innovative methodologies for the study of the presence and effects of marine litter on organisms in Mediterranean marine protected areas within the Plastic Busters MPAs project
Through the Plastic Busters MPAs project, this research provided an integrated assessment of marine litter pollution in the Pelagos Sanctuary and the Tuscan Archipelago National Park. It highlights the significant pressure exerted by plastic on marine fauna and proposes new monitoring methodologies, underlining the urgent need for mitigation actions.

Anna Borroni – PhD Thesis

Title: Exposure and behavioural response of satellite-tracked Cuvier’s beaked whales (Ziphius cavirostris) to naval traffic in the western Mediterranean Sea
The study examined how Cuvier’s beaked whale populations in the Sanctuary area are affected by naval traffic. Results showed that chronic noise disturbance significantly alters their diving and movement behavior, stressing the need for targeted conservation policies to protect this vulnerable species.

The full texts of the awarded theses are available in the “Pelagos theses award 2025” section of the website.