Marine Mammals

Dolphins are seen habitually from anywhere around the south western coastline. Of these, the Common or Fraser’s Dolphin Delphinus delphis is the most abundant of the reliably recorded dolphin species in the seas around the area. This attractive species, with its grey, black and white stripey markings and yellow flanks, has a major breeding colony close to Cape St. Vincent. They can often be seen in their hundreds from the lighthouse, especially if one scans with binoculars. The much larger Risso’s Dolphin Grampus griseus can also be seen from here, often passing very close to the cliffs in small groups, especially in the autumn. This very beautiful cetacean is almost white, with peculiar noseless baby-like facial features. The well-known Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus is also seen with regularity, but usually only observed from boats offshore, as is the little recorded Striped Dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba. The Long-finned Pilot Whale Globicephala melaena is present in these waters, and is one of the most commonly seen cetaceans after the Common Dolphin. Killer Whales Orcinus orca too, occur and, on a recent pelagic trip for seabirds, two adults displayed their customary curiosity, approaching within a few metres of the vessel.

Large whales have been seen from the shore. However, due to identification problems, lack of research and rarity of sightings, little is known about the species involved. The waters off the south western Algarve are directly on the migration route of a number of large whales (including the Blue Whale, the world’s largest living creature), and experts believe that they are probably more regular visitors than existing observations reveal.

Note: It is urged that all who support the conservation of marine mammals avoid the tourist-oriented dolphin-watching trips that have recently become very popular in the Algarve. These businesses make no contribution to the much-needed study and conservation of the dolphins. They may indeed be causing serious problems, as dolphins are territorial animals and can undergo great stress when their breeding grounds are disturbed. As yet, there is no legislation applicable to Portuguese waters regarding "dolphin tourism”. It is hoped that laws will soon be introduced to obligate comprehensive monitoring by marine biologists to ensure the dolphins’ well-being, as has recently been achieved in Madeira.