15.08.2020 – We are many

It is quite unusual to meet a single common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) as we did today. Common dolphins, like many other species of dolphins, live in schools. In these associations they can protect each other and support each other in the hunt. Did this animal go on a little solo excursion? Let’s hope so.

Afterwards we met a large school of the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis), which showed themselves interactively. We were surrounded by these small, briskly dolphins. When you meet Spotted dolphins, you can often feel their joy for life and playfulness. A completely different feeling arises when Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) approach the boat. They radiate strength and calmness. While they were moving south-east, we could accompany them. Or did they accompany us?

We also pulled an old, tangled rope out of the water. This is a serious source of danger for dolphins, whales, turtles, seabirds, fish, etc. How easy it would be if the fishermen would dispose of what is useless to them in the harbor without a fuss.

Our oceans are full of plastic and that urgently needs to change. Even if boating does its part to pollute, it has to be mentioned that 90% of marine pollution is ultimately produced by land activities. Large rivers act as conveyor belts for environmental pollution. So we are all in demand! If everyone contributes their “small” part to a healthy, clean environment, that doesn’t sound like much at first. But we are many and therefore such an attitude has a great effect. Cooperation is required here, as with the dolphins.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Common dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphins, Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

09:30 Atlantic spotted dolphins, Striped dolphins