29.06.2023 Big surprise

The sea was pleasantly calm today, both species of dolphins, the Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and the Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were also very relaxed. The Bottlenose dolphins took a small fish breakfast here and there. The Spotted dolphins kindergarten group was very busy with their tiny offspring.

Unfortunately we discovered a lot of plastic in the sea today. Small buckets, plastic bags, plastic boxes and also a feed bag floated on the sea surface next to a lot of little plastic particles. This is very unusual for our area. Normally our waters are quite clean. But apparently the storm and the strong winds of late have brought us an ugly souvenir. Plastic is, of course, a major problem for marine life. Plastic doesn’t just disappear, salt, sun and the friction of waves work on the material and break it down into tiny particles. These are easily ingested by the inhabitants in the sea. There is even plastic in the Mariana Trench, which is 11,000 meters deep. Seeing something like this is a good reminder to think carefully about when to use plastic. Who knows, the bag you use today might end up in the ocean. Daniel skillful fished a Trigger fish out of the sea to show our guests to which anatomical aspect the fish owes its name. The fish was of course released back into its habitat.

In the afternoon we saw Bottlenose dolphins again. There was also a great leap. Suddenly it got exciting. A whale spout was spotted not far from the dolphin sighting area. We were able to accompany this wonderful Sei whale (Balaenoptera borealis) for a while as it relaxed migrated west. Its name “Sei”whale is a Norwegian term for salmon. This whale feeds on salmon, among other things, and can often be found near large schools of salmons.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sei whale

Stenella

09:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Atlantic spotted dolphins

13:30 Bottlenose dolphins, Sei whale, Flying fish

16:00 Bottlenose dolphins, Sperm whale, Flying fish