Dolphins frequent Lisbon
In the last couple of weeks, pods of common-dolphins have been spotted be local sailors. These marine mammals, have been sighted in Lisbon at least 9 times sinces 30th of May. Today was no exception for Dolphins to frequent Lisbon.
Since the reopenning of boat tours in Lisbon, with all Clean & Safe measures, the customers have been very lucky to find dolphins “literally” in Lisbon. During our dolphin watching boat tour, sometimes we find these wild animals inside the Tagus river. In the last month of march 2020, dolphins showed up a couple of times. This fenomenon, has yet no explanation for the scientific comunity.
In the Mid 60’s, it was frequent to see Bottlenose dolphins in Lisbon, however, these started to avoid the Tagus river due to pollution. Dolphins are extremenly sensitive to noise, in this case, generated by ferry boat engines and other vessels. Fortunately, with the water treatment plants, the municipalities of vilages and cities nearby guarantee 99 % sewage treatment. Nonetheless, recreation boating has increased substancially in Lisbon.
Dolphins frequent Lisbon along the Tagus river in the last years can be due to several reasons:
- Foraging different food sources – The Tagus Estuary serves as a spawning and nursery ground for fish species
- Temporary maternity for new-born calfs
- Swimming away from predators (Killer whale / Orca)
- Parasite elimination treatment with brackish waters
- Exploring new waters areas.
SeaEO Tours is the Lisbon Whale Watching and Dolphin Watching Leader!
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