01.03.2023 – A predator’s struggle

Short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) have been gorging on Halfbeaks (H.balao) for the past two months here in Madeira and such hunts are never short of spectacular. We experienced these dolphins in full hunting mode this morning on a (surprisingly) calm Atlantic Ocean and they put their incredible coordination, intelligence and speed on full display to our guests. 

This method of hunting is used specifically for this prey and the frequency of hunting situations we bear witness to in winter may indicate that Halfbeaks are abundant enough for the current population of common dolphins here in Madeira. In the Mediterranean, however, these beautiful predators are struggling. Overfishing has lead to a shocking decline in their population especially since we tend to enjoy the same taste in fish as these dolphins and this isn’t a species that is very flexible in regards to their prey. In the Atlantic the overexploitation of Atlantic Mackerel has taken a toll on many predators, including these dolphins, and they often end up as bycatch in the enormous supertrawler nets. 

So life for common dolphins definitely isn’t easy right now but we can be grateful for every sighting of these gorgeous cetaceans here in Madeira! The other good news is we can help in the conservation of these dolphins by eating fish in a more conscious manner. Supertrawlers account for an enormous amount of the fish sold in central Europe so checking the origin of the catch before consumption, or avoiding marine fish altogether in landlocked countries, can help alleviate the pressure on these dolphins. We can all work together for a healthier and better ocean and the fact that cetaceans are still around proves that there is more than enough room for hope.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Stenella 

09:30 Short-beaked common dolphins