Towards Responsible and Sustainable Whale and Dolphin Watching in Lanzarote
The Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Islands (SECAC) is developing BIOSCET I – Biosphere and Cetaceans, a project aimed at advancing scientific knowledge and promoting responsible whale and dolphin watching practices that are compatible with the conservation of Lanzarote’s marine environment.
The waters surrounding Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are home to an extraordinary diversity of cetaceans, including dolphins, pilot whales, beaked whales, sperm whales, and baleen whales. This natural richness makes the region an area of exceptional importance for marine biodiversity.
The project aims to assess whale and dolphin watching activities, their potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, and develop recommendations for sustainable management.
The project’s main activities include:
- Collecting scientific information and studying cetacean distribution and behaviour.
- Assessing whale and dolphin watching activities and their interactions with cetacean populations.
- Developing a Code of Good Practices for Whale and Dolphin Watching in Lanzarote.
- Creating a distinctive visual identity to promote responsible cetacean watching.
- Providing training and raising awareness among tourism operators, maritime professionals, and the local community.
BIOSCET I aims to contribute to a model of marine tourism based on scientific knowledge, respect for cetaceans, and the conservation of their habitats, encouraging cooperation between researchers, public authorities, and the tourism sector.
Research, understand, and protect the cetaceans of Lanzarote.