A Mediterranean Secret: Whales at Rocabella

Written by JB Rudelle | Published on October 15, 2024

Residency

Today, I want to share something surprising with you: whales. Not the majestic creatures you'd expect off the coast of Iceland or Alaska, but those that swim... right in front of Rocabella! Yes, you read that correctly—there are whales in our part of the Mediterranean!

A 5-Star Club for Cetaceans

Think of the Pelagos Sanctuary as a luxury resort for whales. This protected area spans a massive 33,800 square miles (87,500 km²) across the waters of France, Italy, and Monaco. It’s home to both sperm whales and the impressive fin whales—the second largest animals on the planet after the blue whale. What makes this even more special for Rocabella? The northwestern tip of the sanctuary is part of the Porc Cros National Park, a natural treasure we proudly partner with under the Label Esprit Parc.

Why Whales Are Truly Incredible

There are so many reasons to love whales, but let me give you just four:

Brilliant Minds: Whales have some of the most developed brains in the animal kingdom. They show complex problem-solving abilities and form social bonds that last a lifetime—especially sperm whales.
Ocean Health Experts: Whales play a crucial role in regulating fish populations and circulating nutrients through the ocean. They're not just beautiful—they're vital to marine ecosystems.
The Songs of the Sea: Whales sing! And not just short tunes—some songs can last 20 minutes and are repeated for hours. It's a sophisticated language that we're still working to fully understand.
Echolocation Superpowers: Sperm whales navigate the deep, dark ocean using echolocation—essentially an underwater sonar system that helps them "see" their surroundings through sound.

The Catch? Deadly Maritime Traffic

Unfortunately, this paradise is also crisscrossed by ferries every summer, connecting Toulon, Corsica, and Sardinia. The risk of whale collisions is three times higher here than anywhere else. Sadly, 20% of fin whales stranded on Mediterranean shores show signs of fatal ship collisions.

A Documentary to Make a Difference

That’s why we’re excited about our upcoming creative residency. Over 7 weeks, 8 talented directors will collaborate with marine biologists to capture the breathtaking beauty—and the heartbreaking fragility—of this ecosystem. Their goal? Raise awareness and spark action to protect these gentle giants.

Want to Get Involved?

From November 29 to December 1, 2024, you can join the adventure! Meet the filmmakers, attend talks on whales, and even participate in a storytelling workshop. This is your chance to witness an artistic project unfold while supporting a cause that truly matters.

So, are you ready to dive in? Because while whales brave the Mediterranean, we can’t stand on the shore and let them face these dangers alone. Together, we can make sure they navigate these waters safely.

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