The depths of the Teno-Rasca marine strip hold a treasure that very few are aware of. Within it lie dozens of marine mammals, sharks, squids, and fish that have been enjoying these serene waters off the southwest of Tenerife for decades. All this natural heritage has been compiled for the first time in one place: Abama Blue Ocean Book. A book that aims to showcase the richness of these waters through photography, the most intimate and striking way to involve the reader in the wonders that inhabit the Canary seas.
Under the premise of “making known to be able to preserve”, a group of photographers – under the leadership of the prestigious cameraman Francis Pérez – and the Abama Luxury Residences complex, have wanted to bring to light this work that collects images taken over 30 years, of the habitat and various species that inhabit the strip (whales, dolphins, sharks, turtles, and siphonophores) through the perspective of six local photographers from the Pelagic Life organization in Canarias.
Throughout its 235 pages, 55 underwater photographs taken by Francis Pérez, Eduardo Acevedo, Joaquín Gutiérrez, Montse Grillo, Marcos Latorre, and the late Rogelio Herrera are showcased. This last one recently deceased and to whose memory this photographic work is dedicated. “Without him, it would not have been possible,” Pérez emphasized during the book presentation, held at the Museum of Nature and Archaeology (MUNA), which recalled that Herrera was always “a staunch advocate of using photography as a conservation tool.”
Blue shark captured by the late Rogelio Herrera, to whom this book pays tribute. / Rogelio Herrera
In addition to photographs, the book introduces the most relevant research projects being carried out in the area to contribute to the protection of its biodiversity, reflecting the work of the Tonina Association, the BIOECOMAC research group (Biodiversity, Marine Ecology, and Conservation) associated with the University of La Laguna (ULL); and the EOMAR research group (Eco-physiology of Marine Organisms) of the ECOAQUA institute at the University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria (ULPGC), encompassing a wide range of initiatives.
Tropical pilot whales, humpback whales, loggerhead turtles, blue sharks, and up to twelve different species take centre stage in this full-color book that delves into a habitat that, however, is facing significant conservation challenges. Despite being the only whale sanctuary in the European Union and the third in the world, “it is also a place with many black spots,” Pérez insisted.
Cetacean populations have been progressively decreasing over the last 10 years and the University of La Laguna (ULL) has shown that the main reason is collisions with fast ferries. For this reason, the photographer stressed that this book must help establish “appropriate management plans for the proper protection of the Teno-Rasca marine strip.” Among the challenges these animals face, Pérez highlighted marine traffic, collisions, noise pollution, and plastics. “We have to reduce infrastructures that could go against conservation, such as the Fonsalía dock,” he pointed out.
Pilot whales in Teno-Rasca, captured by the lens of Montse Grillo, one of the authors of the book. / Montse Grillo
The Tenerife photographer, who has been featured on National Geographic and numerous publications, with over 30 years of experience, holds a special affection for tropical pilot whales (short-finned pilot whales), images with which the section dedicated to the inhabitants of the strip begins. In fact, the sea surrounding the Abama beach bay hosts the largest population of this species in all of Europe, moving in groups of ten to thirty individuals, and with a matriarchal social structure: grandmothers and mothers taking the spotlight. Currently, there are just over 50 individuals permanently in the strip who have been photo-identified, out of a total of over 360 residents that also move through other areas.
Involvement and dedication
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In this regard, the Vice President of the Tenerife Island Council and Tourism Councillor, Lope Afonso, stated that these kinds of publications help the Canary Islands move towards sustainability. As he mentioned, this should be done under a “co-governance with active participation possibilities and with the purpose of raising awareness among the population.” The Vice President acknowledged that Administrations must “capitalize” on these actions, but he stressed that from the business sector, and specifically from tourism, there should be an “understanding and promotion” of these commitments to the environment.
Afonso also explicitly mentioned the work being done to “reduce the harmfulness of waste reaching the sea”, to “promote sustainable practices among promoters of tourism activities”, and to achieve a tourism “with a background of sustainability”.
On the other hand, Rafael Noblejas, General Director of the Tropical Hotels Group, stressed that with these initiatives, the rest of the players in the tourism sector should be encouraged to follow a sustainable model that takes care of the environment and nature. He also highlighted that all companies are implementing sustainable measures vertically, eliminating plastics, opting for energy savings, and promoting circular economy, purchasing and consuming zero-kilometer products.
Moreover, the Culture Councillor of Guía de Isora, Carlos Javier Álvarez, highlighted the importance of showcasing the marine life. “Sometimes things are hidden to preserve them, and it’s a mistake; they need to be made visible”. Teno-Rasca covers an area of 69,489.68 hectares and bathes the coastline of the municipalities of Guía de Isora, Buenavista del Norte, Santiago del Teide, Adeje, and Arona, “although it is in Guía de Isora where the highest number of populations are concentrated,” he pointed out.
Priced at 40 Euros per copy, the book has a charitable nature, and for each purchase, a portion will be allocated to the Pelagic Life Canarias and the Tonina Association. Abama Blue Ocean will be available for purchase at museums within the Tenerife Island Council network, Abama Resort Tenerife retail locations, and specialised bookstores.
