Researchers from the Cabo Rorcual project and Eduard Degollada of the NGO Edmaktub, who are currently sailing on the Maktub catamaran off the coast of Denia and Jávea in Valencia, witnessed what happened this weekend. many sailors lack conscience modern captains like Ahab, abused humpback whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and they committed a whole collection of violations. Degollada took photos confirming that the cruiser crews have a lot to learn.
“Whales are protected animals. You cannot go after them. Illegal and reportable“, explained on Tuesday the head of Edmaktub, which studies the passage of these large marine mammals along the coast of Garraf (Barcelona) and collaborates with the Cape Fin whale project. Degollada has the authority from the Ministry of Ecological Transition to approach these large marine mammals. Keep your distance, though. and don’t disturb the whales. Take pictures of these impressive animals (the second largest on the planet after the blue whale) with a drone.
These days he also had to do a lot of pedagogy. He warned the crews of the boats chasing whales that they had committed an illegal crime. Despite this, some of these teams returned to duty, thinking that they had given. I kidnap inspectors and vigilantes (Denia Coast Guard service or posidonia oceanica protection boats).
Most of the photos, taken on the Sardinera coast and Cap Prim in Jávea, show blushing faces. A boat passes between a mother and her calf. A ‘fleet’ of boats follows him at full speed and harass the four whales. Boats break very clear rules. It is prohibited to approach whales more than 60 meters, sailing towards them in a straight line, or to go faster than 4 knots when in a radius between 60 and 300 meters.
“You can perfectly enjoy whale watching every 300 metres. We have a treasure on this shore and we must protect it,” warned Eduardo Belda, coordinator of the Cabo Rorcual project. “Socially, it’s important that you understand this. We must protect these animals and conscientious seafarers rebuke those who break the rules and endanger this sea wealth”.
Source: Informacion
