11.12.2023 – Bottlenose dolphins and their fishing farms adventures

Today, we ventured into a world where bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the dazzling Dorada fish (Sparus aurata), create ripples in a complex aquatic dance.

Imagine a lively harbor with floating nets brimming with Dorada fish, these golden-hued beauties of the sea. They’re the shining stars in these fish farms, yet their story takes an unexpected turn when our clever dolphin friends come into play.

As the bottlenose have discovered a potential feast amidst these nets, realizing that these schools of Dorada offer a chance for a dolphin-style buffet!

These dolphins aren’t mere observers; they’ve become adept at fish-finding. Some opt for direct maneuvers, darting in swiftly to snatch a meal as the fish are tended to. It’s like watching an underwater game of catch!

But here’s where things get murky—quite literally. Dorada, although prized, are known to require extensive care, often involving medications like antibiotics to thrive in fish farms. Now, imagine our dolphins dining on these fish. It raises a serious question: is this interaction a net positive or a concerning catch?

The concern lies in the potential health risks posed to our finned friends. By indulging in Dorada from these farms, dolphins might inadvertently consume the remnants of medications and additives used to sustain these fish. This raises the question: are these dolphins unwittingly becoming unintended recipients of substances that could harm their health?

This complex interaction between dolphins and the Dorada farms opens a dialogue about the balance between nature’s interaction and human intervention. It’s a tale where the line blurs between natural foraging and unintended consequences.

As we marvel at the cleverness of these dolphins, it prompts us to ponder the wider impact. Are these interactions a form of adaptability or a warning sign about our ecological footprint?

Join us on this journey as we navigate the depths, where the playful antics of dolphins mingle with the complexities of human endeavors, leaving us to ponder: is this marine ballet a cause for celebration or concern?

By Camila Dávila

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins