14.01.2023 – Clarity in the ocean

The beautiful waters of the Atlantic Ocean around Madeira are perfect to snorkel in. Like the waters surrounding all oceanic islands, the offshore waters beyond 2nm can be considered oligotrophic (low in nutrients and algae concentration), meaning visibility is absolutely excellent. Our team was hoping to glide through these waters together with our guests on this mornings snorkelling tour, which unfortunately didn’t happen due to the absence of the species with which the activity is permitted. Instead, however, we managed a sighting with two of Madeira’s most emblematic and important marine predators; the Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and the Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). 

While the nutrient-waters provide incredible visibility, these two cetacean species provide biologists with another type of clarity. Top predators are important regulators of their habitats and can therefore be used as ecological indicators, giving biologists an idea of the health of the ecosystem. Currently, scientists are measuring cortisol levels and population changes to understand the different levels of stress human activity may cause in these animals, which in turn may affect the entire ecosystems.

Alone the knowledge of this makes it understandable why a more invasive form of wildlife encounters such as snorkelling isn’t permitted with these magnificent creatures although todays last encounter with a few curious individuals did leave us all with the tempting imagination of what it would be like. I personally imagine it being very peaceful, at least for us, but we must always consider the animals and that we are stepping into their home.

By Paula Thake

Sightings of the day

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose Dolphins, Short-finned pilot whales