Back in Cap de Creus

Last weekend I was lucky enough to return to the "Dofins de Tramuntana" project in Cadaqués with Submon. Being in Cap de Creus brings me a feeling of such peace and happiness, that I can't really put it into words! As soon as I arrive there, I feel like I'm exactly where I ought to be. The Tramuntana wind was blowing on Saturday and so we couldn't get out to sea. This was a shame but it meant I had time to walk along the coastal path near where we were staying in the morning and to go to the beach at midday for a swim and snorkel as well as having another quick dip in the evening before heading into Cadaqués for ice-cream! That makes it sound like a holiday, but I was also doing some work with another volunteer - editing photos for the photo ID catalogue that is being compiled of the bottlenose dolphins which are spotted during the days out at sea.

Editing photos for photo ID purposes. Photo: Irene Alvarez

On Sunday we were able to go out to sea though the wind and waves forced us back to port for a while. After a break in Port Lligat we headed out again. Unfortunately the bottlenose dolphins evaded us and we were starting to think we wouldn't see any wildlife (apart from the seagulls) when, finally, we saw three little striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba). They swam close to us a few times and one of them cheekily popped his head above water to look at us. This behaviour is known as spy-hopping! I hadn't seen any striped dolphins during my time on the project in July and so it was interesting to see them; they are so different to the bottlenose dolphins in both their size, shape and behaviour. Unfortunately I was unable to take any high quality videos or photos, but in this short clip you can just about make out the spy-hopping behaviour at the end.

The Dofins de Tramuntana project officers will be doing their last trips to sea this week but the work with the local fisherman will continue. Hopefully the project will receive funding for next season so that we can continue to learn more about the marine mammals in this very special area of the Mediterranean.