Rough-toothed dolphin, Blainville’s beaked whales, Pilot whales, Bottlenose dolphins, Spotted dolphin, Sperm whale, Beaked whale
We have recently seen the following whale and dolphin species on our whale watching tours off La Gomera:
- Pilot whales (Short-finned pilot whales)
- Bottlenose dolphins
- Atlantic spotted dolphin
- Blainville’s beaked whales
- Cachalote
- Beaked whale (unidentified)
- Rough-toothed dolphin
In the second half of July, numerous spotted dolphins, bottlenose dolphins and even a small pod of sperm whales were sighted.
As always, the spotted dolphins were very lively, jumping, hunting and surfing in the wake of our boat, some of them with newborn calves. Unfortunately, we only saw the pilot whales twice.
When the sperm whales appeared off the coast, we were once again reminded of the danger that fast boats – especially small sport fishing boats – pose to marine mammals. Here, and also during a sighting with pilot whales, sport fishing boats came very close. This can be life-threatening for the animals.
We also recovered a large ghost net with two entangled turtles. The animals were rescued and taken to Gran Canaria for care. Fish had gathered under the net, which attracted rough-toothed dolphins. Among them was a young animal, apparently only a few weeks old. The dolphins displayed coordinated hunting behaviour after the net was removed. We were able to observe this closely and also listen to them, as it took place right next to and under our boat.
On another day, we encountered another school of rough-toothed dolphins. One of them was carrying a piece of plastic in front of it and brought it close to the boat. Was it a gift for us or rather a request to collect this piece of rubbish?
Blainville’s beaked whales appeared during a tour. Unfortunately, only briefly and further away.
The next day, beaked whales appeared again. Unfortunately, we were unable to identify them with certainty.
The sighting rate for this period was 70%.
Fotos: Noel Covián, OCEANO Archiv