Fraser's dolphins sighted for the first time in the eastern waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura
The scientific milestone took place last Saturday, during a sea trip organized by the Biosphere Reserve and the Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC)
Several specimens of Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei) have been observed by a hundred people who participated in a cetacean sighting activity organized by the Biosphere Reserve. In this feat, guided by the Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC), had the privilege of observing this species.
The Fraser's dolphin is characterized by its very triangular and pointed fins in addition to its characteristic coloration pattern of a darker gray on its face and around its eyes, and its shorter but visible snout.
During the sighting, the group maintained its course and trajectory, which made its identification difficult, until they decided to approach the bow of the boat and the species could be confirmed and cited for the first time in the waters of the southeast coast of Lanzarote.
On the way back to port, the attendees were also able to observe a large group, with several adult individuals and young of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), a species very recognizable for its unsociable behavior and for having a rather dark band that originates in the snout, mostly black, and that extends dorsally, surrounding the eye, to the anal area.
Finally, the sighting was completed with two specimens of gray dolphins (Grampus griseus), with its unmistakable globose head, its very large dorsal fin and its grayish, half-whitish coloration, due to the usual interactions with other individuals or prey, in which marks are generated on their gray skin.
These last two species are common in the eastern waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, according to the environmental biologist of the SECAC responsible for the interpretation of the activity, Francesca Fusar. The area is considered a Site of Community Importance (SCI), a protected area included in the Natura 2000 Network of the European Union for its rich marine biodiversity and which represents a hot spot for cetacean passage worldwide.
The excursion, which was attended by the Councilor of the Biosphere Reserve of the Cabildo de Lanzarote, Samuel Martín, aimed to publicize the characteristics, peculiarities and importance of the marine mammals that inhabit our coasts and raise awareness among the population about the importance of protecting and keeping the seas and oceans clean. During the journey, a superficial collection of garbage floating on the surface was carried out.
