10.07.2024 – Precious moments

The first sighting was not long in coming this morning. A monk seal (Monachus monachus) was close to the marina. It was busy with its morning meal, a fish floating on the surface. As we approached, however, it seemed to be worried that we were going to share its prey with it. As a precaution, she dived down. Interestingly, monk seals are one of the few seal species that often stay in sea caves and underwater burrows. These secluded hiding places offer them protection and peace and quiet. Another fascinating fact is that monk seals often reach an age of over 20 years. Unfortunately, these majestic animals are highly endangered due to habitat loss and human activities and urgently need conservation measures to ensure their survival.

Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) are impressive deep-sea divers that rule the oceans. When a Sperm whale dives, a fascinating process begins. An interesting fact is that Sperm whales can drastically slow down their heartbeat to conserve oxygen. During a dive, their heart rate drops from around 60 beats per minute to just 10 to 20 beats per minute. This adaptation allows them to conserve their oxygen reserves and stay underwater for longer periods of time. Another remarkable fact is the ability of Sperm whales to store large amounts of oxygen in their blood and muscle tissue. Their blood contains a high concentration of the oxygen-binding protein haemoglobin, while their muscles are rich in myoglobin, which also stores oxygen. This biological adaptation allows Sperm whales to dive for up to 90 minutes and to depths of over 2000 metres. When they finally resurface, they emit a powerful fountain to release stale air and fill their lungs with fresh oxygen before heading back into the ocean depths.

At midday, the three Blainville’s beaked whales, which are usually so shy, proved that nobody should be tied down to one behaviour. They literally danced around the boat. Such closeness, such trust. I have been doing this work for 19.5 years, but this was the closest encounter with these unusual, sweet whales. At moments like this, there is just gratitude.

A guest on the Ribeira Brava told us about her special project. She sails around the world to collect plastic and recycle it into flower pots. What a great project! And a protection for all the marine mammals and other marine life. Thank you, Bibi!https://www.4greenfoundation.com/?lang=en

In the evening, the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were in a love frenzy and the two Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) checked us out a few times.

Today was a day on which many of our guests were able to collect very precious moments. What gifts of nature.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Monk seal, Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales

13:30 Blainville’s beaked whales, Flying fish

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whales

14:00 Blainville’s beaked whales, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

17:00 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins, Monk seal