The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) has offered a series of recommendations for all those sailors who sight or interact with orcas in the Atlantic in the Gulf of Cádiz.
The guidelines shared through the General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification, and the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility (MITMA) seek to minimize and avoid risks for crew members, vessels and the cetaceans themselves that are part of the ocean.
Between April and August, the area delimited by the Gulf of Cádiz and the Strait of Gibraltar has the presence of orcas, so it is recommended to take into account these guidelines, which include not stopping the boat or sailing towards the coast to shallower waters.
Likewise, in case of encountering killer whales, MITECO recommends sailing as close to the coast as possible within safety limits, also preventing people on board from getting close to the bands.
It is important to avoid carrying out behaviors and deterrent measures that could cause death, damage, annoyance or concern to cetaceans. In addition, they recommend notifying the sighting to the nearest Rescue Coordination Center (CCS) as soon as possible.
They request that whenever possible photographs be taken of the orcas involved, with a view to having a better record and identification of these animals. The orca population in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz is classified as vulnerable in the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species (CEEA), so protecting this species is a priority.
Finally, it is prohibited to approach the boat within 60 m of the cetaceans, feed the animals, throw food, drinks, garbage or any other type of object or solid or liquid substance that is harmful to the orcas.
