24.02.2026 – A rare catch
March 2, 2026
Today we had a close and special encounter with a group of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and a pod of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
The protection of Bottlenose dolphin and Short-finned pilot whale is an important international issue in marine conservation. Both species are highly social toothed whales and live in stable family groups.
In the coastal town of Taiji in Japan, dolphin hunts have been carried out for decades. During these hunts, bottlenose dolphins are driven into coves, selected, and in some cases captured for marine parks. International organizations criticize this practice on animal welfare and conservation grounds.
On the Faroe Islands, an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, the traditional Grindadráp hunt of pilot whales still takes place. This communal hunt is culturally justified; however, it is widely regarded as brutal, outdated, and unscrupulous.
Here you will find the mentioned petitions. Please do your part to help protect these beautiful animals.
https://www.lobosonda.com/marine-protection/
By Fatima Kutzschbach
Sightings of the day
Ribeira Brava
09:00 Bottlenose dolphins
13:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales
Stenella
09:30 Bottlenose dolphins
13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Pilot whales
