The west coast of Tenerife becomes a Whale Heritage Sites (WHS).
The west coast of Tenerife becomes a Whale Heritage Sites (WHS). It is the first European marine area to obtain this recognition and to be awarded the Responsible Watching certification by the World Cetacean Alliance.
@Francis Pérez/ CiaoIsoleCanarie
This is a further recognition, which attests to the enormous work that has been carried out here for some time in order to preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of these waters. In Tenerife, the observation of cetaceans has been legally regulated for twenty years and boats that carry out whale watching services must have a permit issued by the Ministry of the Environment of the Government of the Canary Islands.
The legislation imposes sighting rounds within an area of 500 meters, in which only three boats can navigate at the same time, which must maintain a minimum distance of 60 meters from the whales.
@Francis Pérez/ CiaoIsoleCanarie
Mercedes Reyes, biologist and co-chair of the Tenerife Association of Whale Watching and Conservation Entrepreneurs (ACEST) said:
Tourists are increasingly responsible, but it is still necessary to promptly inform them about the rules that exist and make them understand the high level of protection in the Canaries
@Francis Pérez/ CiaoIsoleCanarie
In the stretch of sea between Tenerife and La Gomera live 1500 species of animals and 26 of the over 79 known cetacean species pass through, including dolphins, killer whales and blue whales, but also a colony of over 500 tropical cauldrons, the largest dolphins that exist .
The high presence of whales and dolphins demonstrates the health of the ocean surrounding the coasts of the archipelago, because these mammals feed only when a healthy environment is guaranteed. Hence the certification granted by WHC which highlights the great wealth of marine biodiversity in that area.
@Francis Pérez/ CiaoIsoleCanarie
I don't know anyone who comes back from whale watching without a big smile and a heart full of happiness
Continue Kings
When we go to sea we must be aware that we are entering their world, their habitat: this is why the only way to do this is to respect these wonderful mammals.
Read also:
- Chalkboard: the amazing whale dance show in the Cetacean Sanctuary
- A sanctuary for the free return of the dolphins of the dolphinaria: the extraordinary project of Taranto
- The retirement home for elderly cetaceans lived in captivity: a marine bay to give them back some freedom
