New Research Reveals Rich Marine Biodiversity and Resident Dolphin Population off Tenerife’s North Coast
New research identifying a resident population of Risso’s dolphins and 11 total cetacean species off Tenerife’s north coast has prompted calls for updated environmental protection policies to safeguard the area's newfound biodiversity.
The north coast of Tenerife, long overlooked by oceanographers due to its challenging weather, has been found to hold immense marine biodiversity. New research by scientist Badosa—who produced the first map of cetaceans in these waters—reveals a resident population of Risso’s dolphins, a discovery that suggests current environmental protection policies in the Canary Islands may need an update.
The project began in 2021, when the Cabildo of Tenerife commissioned an environmental assessment for a proposed pier in Puerto de la Cruz. What started as a small technical study grew into a long-term research project that identified 11 cetacean species, nearly doubling the six originally detected. Notable sightings include Cuvier’s beaked whales, sperm whales, short-finned pilot whales, dwarf sperm whales, and even the occasional orca.
The research focused primarily on the Risso’s dolphin, a deep-water species. By using a photo-identification catalog—which tracks the unique scars and marks on their dorsal fins—researchers identified 143 individuals. Of these, 71 are considered residents, as they have been spotted repeatedly over two years across different seasons. This confirms that the area is a vital habitat for these dolphins to feed, breed, and raise their young.
These findings highlight the vulnerability of the north coast to future development. With the confirmed presence of species protected under EU law, such as the common bottlenose dolphin and the loggerhead sea turtle, careful urban and maritime planning is essential. Lessons from the island’s southwest, where high levels of stress have been recorded in dolphins due to noise and heavy boat traffic, serve as a warning of the risks posed by human activity.
Badosa’s work has transformed our understanding of this previously ignored coastline, providing the scientific evidence needed to advocate for stronger environmental protections. It underscores the urgent need to prioritize scientific research and conservation when making decisions about the future of the Canary Islands' coast.