Sanctuary for Whales and Dolphins in Mediterranean

France, Italy and Monaco have decided to create in the Mediterranean a sanctuary for the protection of whales and dolphins.

The French Foreign Ministry spokesman, who made the announcement on Monday, said the related accord will be signed shortly.

The concerned area which harbors nearly 1000 whales and 25,000 dolphins lies between the archipelago of Ciens, Sardinia and southern Tuscany.

The signatory countries pledge to ban any deliberate catching in this sanctuary, where fishing will remain however authorized.

The accord provides for cooperation in struggle against pollution, bans sports competitions using rapid engines and calls for a periodical assessment of the various marine mammalian species, the causes of their mortality and the dangers threatening their habitat, food and reproduction.

These species are an exceptional biological wealth that must be jointly protected, the spokesman said.