09.09.2018 – The net

On this Sunday, our two boats had the pleasure to observe Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) in a variety of activities. The dolphins socialized with each other, mated with each other, sought contact with the boat, made short sprints in the sea, made long jumps, rode in the bow wave and it almost seemed they came for human observation. All together a great late summer pleasure on a Sunday afternoon … also for us humans. 🙂

On the way to the dolphins, Senhor Luis, our captain on the Ribeira Brava, pulled an old fishing net out of the sea. Our guests were pleased and with good reason, because these nets are potentially a death trap for various marine animals.

According to WDC, around 300,000 marine mammals die every year – through the effects of fishing – in nets. This affects not only small dolphins that die in such nets but also large marine mammals, such as baleen whales. When they get caught up in fishing equipment, they carry the deadly burden of their migration. The ropes cut into the flesh of the whale and deep wounds are the result. The unwanted luggage weakens the whale … a slow, painful dying.

Unfortunately, our oceans are no longer a paradise for the sea creatures. This inherently challenging living environment is further burdened by human influence (over fishing – entanglement in fishing equipment – noise pollution – plastic etc, etc). That’s why protecting the sea creatures and their miraculous living environment should be our top priority

As if marine mammals were not already threatened by enough human influences, this week (10.09.-15.09.2018) the International Whaling Commission will meet in Florianopolis / Brazil to decide once again on the future of the whales. The IWC is the decision-making body of the International Convention for the regulation of whaling.

There are currently 90 Member States that will decide on the whaling quotas for baleen whales. Of course, this mix of states is made up of supporters and opponents of whaling. What is decided here has a big impact on marine mammals. Incredible that such an endeavour still has to be negotiated! Is not it clear that we have a responsibility to protect the ocean and its inhabitants?

Whales are essential for our oceans, because through their contribution, they have a strong input to a balanced ecosystem. Take a look at this wonderful video, it explains the importance of whales for the oceans shortly:

After all, it all boils down to one thing: we humans are a small part of an incredibly complex NETWORK, which is called life. A multifaceted NETWORK of living things, plants, habitats that are so intertwined that any change, any intervention brings an imbalance. Personally, I would like to see a strong NETWORK of people who live more sustainable and who are strongly engaged to protect the ones who need it..

By Fatima Kutzschbach

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Atlantic Spotted dolphins

Stenella

15:30 Atlantic Spotted dolphins