Last Saturday, the hundred or so people taking part in the cetacean watching activity organised by the Biosphere Reserve and guided by the Society for the Study of Cetaceans in the Canary Archipelago (SECAC) had the privilege of observing several specimens of Fraser's dolphin (Lagenodelphis hosei).
This species is distinguished by its markedly triangular, pointed fins, as well as by its characteristic colour pattern of a darker grey on the face and around the eyes, and its shorter but clearly visible beak.
During the sighting the group held its course and trajectory, which made identification difficult, until the animals decided to approach the bow of the boat and the species could be confirmed and recorded for the first time in the waters off the south-east coast of Lanzarote.
On the way back to port, those on board were also able to observe a large group, with several adults and calves of striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba), a species that is easy to recognise by its rather unsociable behaviour and by the fairly dark band that begins at the beak, which is mostly black, and extends along the back, encircling the eye, as far as the anal area.
Finally, the outing was rounded off with two Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), with their unmistakable bulbous head, very large dorsal fin and half-greyish, half-whitish colouring, the result of their frequent interactions with other individuals or with prey, which leave marks on their grey skin.
These last two species are common in the eastern waters of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, according to Francesca Fusar, the SECAC environmental biologist responsible for interpreting the activity. The area is designated a Site of Community Importance (SCI), a protected space included in the European Union's Natura 2000 Network for its rich marine biodiversity, and it represents a global hotspot for cetacean movement.