A bit of searching was needed today, but we found a pod of Striped Dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). These beautiful animals are often quite reserved when it comes to contact with boats. Today, however, they gave us a few beautiful moments. We can observe this species of dolphin off Madeira’s coast all year round.
Elsewhere, however, they are in grave danger. In Japan, they are driven into the small bay of Taiji and cruelly killed. Anyone wishing to protect these beautifully drawn dolphins can do so in our petitions section.
Tuna fishing is also a problem for this small species of dolphin. In areas where tuna are caught with large ring wall nets, dolphins often end up as bycatch in the deadly nets as well. Even “Dolphin save” labels are no guarantee that dolphins are protected. The fishing fleets are granted a high number of dolphins that die in the by-catch and still get the label. Dolphins that are released into the sea with internal injuries and die shortly thereafter are not taken in count. These labels are a clear example of today’s trend of exploiting the human desire to do good. It is washed green! A scam! So please do without canned tuna. If you like to eat tuna, you can do so with a clear conscience in Madeira, because fishing with lines is used here.
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
15:00 Striped dolphins
Stenella
10:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins
17:00 Sperm whales