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We used generalized additive models (GAMs) as exploratory habitat models for describing the distribution of 2 deep-diving species, Cuvier's beaked whale Ziphius cavirostris Cuvier, 1823 and sperm whale Physeter catodon Linnaeus, 1758, in the Pelagos Sanctuary (northwestern Mediterranean). We analyzed data collected from research surveys and whale-watching activities during summer months from 2004 to 2007. The dataset encompassed 147 Cuvier's beaked whale sightings and 52 sperm whale sightings. We defined and applied a post hoc workflow to the data, to minimize false absence bias arising from the unique ecology of the species and the lack of a dedicated sampling design. We calculated a novel topographic predictor, distance from the canyon axis, as a covariate for use in the habitat model. Given the complex topography of the area, the analysis was performed on a high-resolution spatial grid (1 km). Our methods allowed effective use of the non-dedicated sampling dataset for building habitat models of elusive and cryptic species (Cuvier's beaked whale final model sensitivity = 0.88 and specificity = 0.84; sperm whale final model sensitivity = 0.65 and specificity = 0.77). The GAM results confirmed the preference for submarine canyons for both species and also highlighted the importance of the deeper portion of the Ligurian basin, especially for Cuvier's beaked whale. Habitat overlap nevertheless is resolved by a well-defined spatial partitioning of the area, with sperm whale occupying the western part and Cuvier's beaked whale the central and eastern parts.

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Since 2009, a cetacean presence and distribution long-term monitoring study has been ongoing in the Pelagos Sanctuary, a pelagic marine protected area located in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. One of the objectives of this study is to assess trends in cetacean presence and distribution to achieve good environmental status (GES) of pelagic marine waters. We assessed the density variability of the fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) in the Pelagos Sanctuary. We used data collected during summer months (Jun-Sep) from 2009 to 2013, along 2 fixed transects crossing the Pelagos Sanctuary, using ferries as platforms of opportunity. We compared 2 un-corrected indexes: the linear encounter rate and density index, computed applying distance sampling methodology to select the most precise method. We also evaluated the effect of environmental covariates (e.g., platform height, Beaufort sea state, wind speed and direction, cloud cover and rain, longitude, latitude) on abundance and density estimation. Finally, we defined an unbiased index and used it to analyze the temporal and spatial variability of fin whale density in the Pelagos Sanctuary. Fin whale density along the 2 transects varied on a yearly basis, with a peak in 2012 and 2013. Variability also occurred on a monthly basis, with a peak during the first half of the season. A longitudinal and a depth gradient were also evident, confirming differences in species displacement in the area. These results are consistent with previous studies, and update current knowledge of species presence in the area. The protocol tested in this work can be easily applied to the other cetacean species inhabiting the Pelagos Sanctuary providing a novel and cost-effective method to assess long-term trends in cetacean distribution and detect incipient changes in species density. Ó

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