Algeciras Boat Trip (11.09.2013)

Text: Sunia Schulze, vounteer for firmm; Photos: firmm

If Tarifa is infested by Levante (strong winds from the east) the bay of Algeciras, which also offers an awesome view of Gibraltar, is a good alternative to observing dolphins in their natural environment.

Not only the bay itself is protected from wind and waves but also the bay provides ,despite the massive emergence of big cargo ships, an adequate habitat and a sufficient food supply for the Common Dolphin (Delphinus delphis), who is already listed as an endangered species from the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature), to raise his offspring.

 

   

   

 

Some time ago we could observe a huge school of approximately 400 individuals, which was swimming through the ocean divided in subgroups. Moreover, we could observe an uncommon spectacle as the Common Dolphins as well as sea-gulls foraged for flying fish. So we were in the right spot at the right time, only each individual on the boat had to decide in which direction to hold a look-out.

Nature´s beauty is stunning, and we as human beings disturb and destroy nature progressively. Our awareness of this fact became obvious as a young member of the Common Dolphins appeared at the stern of the boot, entangled in a piece of fishery net. Unfortunately, the attempts of the crew to rescue and relieve him failed. But the pictures, experiences and impressions will remind each and everyone of us to treat our environment in a more sustainable way.