The veterinary team University Institute of Animal Health and Food Safety (IUSA) of the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC) certified that the death of the sperm whale stranded on the coast of Adeje, in Tenerife, was caused by a collision with a fast ferry. The director of IUSA and professor at the ULPGC, Antonio Fernández, explained that the cut on the animal’s stalk was the probable result of the collision reported during the past week.
A passenger on the ship, biologist Amanhuy Duque Hernández, gave She alerted her when she felt a blow while she was observing birds and cetaceans during the journey. Later, he observed a dark stain that he interpreted as blood.
The IUSA team, in collaboration with engineers, carried out retrotrajectories to determine the possible place where the animal could strand itself if the collision had occurred. According to Fernandezthe shipping company Fred Olsen offered their collaboration by indicating the exact point where the photographs were taken. Based on this information, the possible trajectory of the animal in the following days was analyzed, and the results indicated a proximity to the place where the cetacean was found dead in Adeje.
reduce accidents
The carcass of the sperm whale appeared in a state of decomposition on Sunday and was separated due to the surf. However, both Professor Fernández and the veterinarian Marta Lorente were able to show the cut in the peduncle or dorsal fin of the animal.
When asked about possible measures to avoid the death of cetaceans by collision, Fernández pointed out that the problem exists and must be addressed. He mentioned that both the Ministry and the Government of the Canary Islands and the companies involved are working on it, with the objective of mitigating or reducing the probability of collisions. It is estimated that, on average, around 50 cetaceans wash up on the coasts Canary Islands each year, and most die of natural causes. However, according to IUSA calculations, approximately a quarter of cetacean deaths may be related to human activity, being fishing one of the main causes along with underwater sonar.
In a study published in 2019, the IUSA demonstrated thate 60% of ship collisions in Canary Islands involve sperm whales and that at least 80% of these collisions occur when the animal is alive. Although Fernández considers that this particular case was an accident, he acknowledges the existence of conflicting interests and the need to find a balance between sustainability and development.
