The Strait of Gibraltar
The Strait of Gibraltar is the only natural connection between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. We can thus say that our research work takes place at a unique area where questions about endemic populations or seasonal fluctuations in the Mediterranean Sea can be answered. Besides, the Strait forms an essential feeding ground for various species of the order cetacea; common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), pilot whales (Globicephala melas), orcas (Orcinus orca), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) and fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) can be observed here regularly.
Of course, the Strait is also known for its concentration on shipping: every year 80,000 freighters (ferries and fishing fleets excluded) pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Plus, insufficient sewage purification and Algeciras as place of oil transshipment have another massive impact on the whole region.