The Polytechnic University of Valencia has concluded the study on the passage of the Whale along the coast of the Marina Alta in Marina El Portet. Eduardo Belda, coordinator of the initiative, has appreciated: "The migratory passage of the Fin Fin Whale (fin whales), could be a very advantageous tourist resource if it is done well."
The initiative was launched last May and has been extended until the end of July of this year 2021. Other entities such as the Oceanogràfic or the Dénia City Council collaborated in the study.
Conclusions at Marina El Portet
It was last Friday, October 29, when the conclusions were presented at the Marina El Portet dianense in two different sessions. In both meetings they discussed the field work that has been carried out in which a constant point of observation was established. This allowed 46 sightings made during the months of the study.
It is also estimated that between 74 and 85 fin whales could have used the passage. Those in charge of the project also recorded the sound of the male fin whales, "who sing, presumably to the females, at 20 Hz and repeated the sound every sixteen seconds at most."
Maritime vessel traffic
The passage of these cetaceans provokes the curiosity of several boats, which approach the pass or even follow this type of specimen. For this reason, Belda appreciated: "Maritime traffic, especially at a speed greater than five knots, can pose a high risk to the cetacean and to the people themselves."
However, the coordinator recalls that there is a 2007 decree that indicates that when a specimen is detected, there should not be more than two vessels within 200 to 300 meters of it. With which, this fact could suppose a risk so much for the animals as for the people.
For the tourist resource to be used well, Eduardo Belda considers that it is essential to carry out education and awareness work by the competent authorities, because responsible observation is necessary.
Fin whale tracking via satellite
For his part, the representative of Marina El Portet, Héctor Villar encouraged the members of the team from the Polytechnic University of Valencia to continue with more initiatives like this and assured: "The doors of Marina El Portet will always be open."
In this sense, the next step for the analysts will be a pilot project to monitor the fin whales via satellite, since the purpose of this entire study is to know "who they are, where they go and where the fin whales come from," said the project coordinator. CaboRorcual.
They want to sell cetaceans as a tourist resource but at the same time they complain about marine traffic, which also happens to be tourist ... and they end it with a satellite monitoring project ... I think that for their own sake they need to clarify concepts but of course, this whole study it is paid with public money, right? So against more diffuse and confusing they are better for your pockets.