07.01.2022 – Catch of the day

Our Ribeira Brava left the marina to find a school of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Fortunately, they were moving in our direction. The large dolphins moved close together along the south coast of Madeira. Bottlenose dolphins expect a respectful, cautious approach if close contact is to take place with them. During our sighting today there were some approaches and the stately dolphins swam in the bow waves.

On our way back, a huge orange fishing net was floating on the surface of the sea. It was not to oversee. Such networks are dangerous. Not only that, they can get caught in the propeller of a boat and make it unusable. They are a great danger to various marine animals, such as seabirds, turtles, sharks, marine mammals, etc., which can get caught in such a net. In this case, such a net becomes a death trap. Unfortunately, some fishermen are not very careful about protecting their working environment. Instead of taking the net with them to the port and dispose it there, they make it easy for themselves and just leave it outside.

With the help of a few strong men on board, the heavy net could be pulled on board the Ribeira Brava. Thanks to all helpers!

All over the net and the rope, little barnacles (Pedunculata) had made themselves comfortable. I would like to share three interesting facts about these small creatures. First, they are not mussels, even if you would guess from their German naming. They belong to the crustaceans. They are also hermaphrodites. The third interesting fact: they don’t have a heart.

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sighting of the day

Ribeira Brava

10:00 Bottlenose dolphins