Restoring conditions for whales and marine life to thrive again in the Bay of Biscay
LOCATION: The Basque Sea, from the coastline to the Capbreton Canyon
AREA: Over 4,000 km² of productive, dynamic ocean
GOAL: Establish a whale sanctuary in Basque waters
FOCUS: Reduce noise, pollution, and industrial pressure; restore biodiversity
APPROACH: Ecological restoration with communities, scientists, and fishing professionals
VISION: A vibrant ocean where whales, dolphins, fish, and people thrive together
Whales have shaped Basque identity for centuries. The species once known here as Balaena biscayensis — now the North Atlantic right whale — is nearly extinct, with around 370 individuals remaining in North America.
But Basque waters still host fin whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins, and occasional wandering right whales.
This project is not about reintroducing a species, but about restoring the conditions that allow these animals to return and thrive naturally.
The Bay of Biscay remains one of Europe’s most dynamic marine environments — yet today it faces increasing stress:
Excessive underwater noise
Plastic, sewage, and chemical runoff
Industrial fishing pressure
Declining fish stocks and degraded food webs
Healthy whales require a healthy ocean. Right now, the Basque Sea is struggling to provide that.
Protected zones along the Basque shelf and Capbreton Canyon will safeguard feeding, resting, and migration habitats.
Rerouting or slowing shipping lanes — a proven measure in the US and Canada — reduces collisions and underwater noise dramatically.
Ending bottom trawling and drift-netting will allow plankton, fish populations, and benthic ecosystems to recover.
Proper treatment of sewage and chemical discharge is essential for water quality and marine health.
Low-impact fishing strengthens biodiversity, sustains local livelihoods, and ensures long-term productivity.
Whales are not just charismatic species — they are ecosystem engineers:
They recycle nutrients that feed plankton
They stimulate fish productivity
They increase biodiversity
They indicate ecosystem health
They contribute to carbon storage
A sea that supports whales is a sea that supports everyone.
Whales have shaped Basque identity for centuries. The species once known here as Balaena biscayensis — now the North Atlantic right whale — is nearly extinct, with around 370 individuals remaining in North America.
But Basque waters still host fin whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, dolphins, and occasional wandering right whales.
This project is not about reintroducing a species, but about restoring the conditions that allow these animals to return and thrive naturally.
The Bay of Biscay remains one of Europe’s most dynamic marine environments — yet today it faces increasing stress:
Excessive underwater noise
Plastic, sewage, and chemical runoff
Industrial fishing pressure
Declining fish stocks and degraded food webs
Healthy whales require a healthy ocean. Right now, the Basque Sea is struggling to provide that.
Protected zones along the Basque shelf and Capbreton Canyon will safeguard feeding, resting, and migration habitats.
Rerouting or slowing shipping lanes — a proven measure in the US and Canada — reduces collisions and underwater noise dramatically.
Ending bottom trawling and drift-netting will allow plankton, fish populations, and benthic ecosystems to recover.
Proper treatment of sewage and chemical discharge is essential for water quality and marine health.
Low-impact fishing strengthens biodiversity, sustains local livelihoods, and ensures long-term productivity.
Whales are not just charismatic species — they are ecosystem engineers:
They recycle nutrients that feed plankton
They stimulate fish productivity
They increase biodiversity
They indicate ecosystem health
They contribute to carbon storage
A sea that supports whales is a sea that supports everyone.
We’re always listening to residents and local stakeholders who wish to share a contact, expertise, or valuable information.
If you’d like to collaborate, propose an idea, or help guide the project in the right direction, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
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