Collaboration for the sake of cetaceans - Tenerife
ACEST is an association of entrepreneurs from the whale watching sector in the southwest of Tenerife.
Tenerife-La Gomera Marine Area Whale Heritage Area
Tenerife la Gomera Marine Area, Spain
Renowned for its resident pilot whales, 21 other cetacean species and rich marine biodiversity.
Explore the Tenerife-La Gomera Whale Heritage Area, renowned for its resident pilot whales and 21 other cetacean species. Enjoy responsible whale watching and vibrant marine festivals, all while supporting conservation efforts.
This Whale Heritage Area encompasses the marine area along and between the west coast of the island of Tenerife and the island of La Gomera. Cetacean biodiversity is the main natural treasure that the local community are proud of, and whale watching is the main touristic activity of the area. Its unique resident population of pilot whales live alongside a high diversity of other cetaceans. They inhabit a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC), with a coastline that hosts millions of tourists every year – many of whom wish to see these majestic marine mammals in the wild.
Stories
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Sustainability at Tenerife
There are several stakeholder groups within the WHA who are committed to reducing environmental impacts, and protecting the...
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Education and research at Tenerife
Tenerife-La Gomera WHA is the location of a great range of environmental education, conservation-based research and citizen science...
Species & habitat
As well as being famous for short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins, both of which have resident populations in the area and show strong social units, the Tenerife-La Gomera marine area is also an important migration stop for 21 other cetacean species:
Risso’s dolphin, sperm whale, killer whale, false killer whale, short-beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin, Atlantic spotted dolphin, rough-toothed dolphin, Fraser’s dolphin, Cuvier’s beaked whale, Blainville’s beaked whale, Gervais’ beaked whale, Northern bottlenose whale, humpback whale, fin whale, sei whale, blue whale, Bryde’s whale, common minke whale, North Atlantic right whale, pygmy sperm whale.
Threats
The WHA is located next to one of the biggest tourist hotspots in Tenerife. Many marine tourism activities interact with cetaceans, making harassment one of the biggest threats to local cetaceans. There are too many whale watching boats, many of those are illegal, and some do not respect the code of conduct established by the law when in proximity of cetaceans.
Entanglement is the second biggest threat. Strategies are in place already with volunteers and rescue teams; however, there is the need to have a patrol at sea to collect debris.
Did you know?
- The Canary current and the coastal upwelling from the African coast promote rich marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands, including 28 cetacean species.
- The resident community of short-finned pilot whales living in the southwest of Tenerife is of great importance as one of the few resident populations known in the world, with an estimated 391 individuals.
- Several studies have confirmed a general matrilineal social system in pilot whales, where social units remain stable and related individuals stay together for years.
- The pilot whales perform a unique hunting behaviour, never registered in a deep-diving species before. They have been nicknamed the “cheetahs of the deep sea” for their deep, high-speed, sprint-dives to chase and capture large squid.
- Some studies also suggest the existence of both specific individual and group calls that ensure group cohesion and coordinate group activities.
Supporters & assessors
Each Wildlife Heritage Area is assessed by a species or habitat expert from a reputable non-profit organisation or academic institution. The assessor represents a supporting organisation able to provide the advice, information, and contacts needed to complete the designation process.
Designated by by World Cetacean Alliance
