A 15-meter sperm whale washed ashore on Armona Island
On the afternoon of Friday, September 12, the Algarve Stranding Network (RAAlg ), in coordination with the Zoomarine Shelter Port, was alerted to the presence of a live cetacean in the coastal area of Armona Island, in the municipality of Olhão.
It was a sperm whale ( Physeter macrocephalus ), approximately 15 meters long and weighing approximately 14 tons. The animal was clearly weak and died a few hours after the initial alert.
RAAlg, in conjunction with the Institute for Nature Conservation and Forests ( ICNF ), Olhão City Council and the Maritime Authority of the Port of Olhão, is coordinating the operation to remove the animal from the site, in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
In an initial analysis carried out on site, the animal was in very poor physical condition and was extremely thin.
The cause of death will be determined after an assessment by the RAAlg team of biologists, who are currently on the ground collecting data and samples for analysis.
The Stranding Network is a monitoring and response system for strandings of cetaceans and other marine animals that covers the entire Portuguese mainland coast, coordinated by the ICNF with funding from the Environmental Fund.
RAAlg is coordinated locally by the Center for Marine Sciences ( CCMAR ) of the University of Algarve.
Barlavento
