Marine mammals

Spain is home to a diverse array of marine mammals, thanks to its long coastline and position at the confluence of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. Some of the most notable marine mammals found in Spanish waters include the common dolphin, the bottlenose dolphin, and the long-finned pilot whale.

Spain is also home to the Mediterranean monk seal, one of the world’s most endangered seals in the world, and several species of whales and porpoises, such as the fin whale, the sperm whale, and the harbour porpoise.

These animals are essential components of Spain’s marine ecosystems, playing important roles in maintaining the health and balance of the ocean’s food chains. However, like many other marine mammals around the world, they face threats from human activities such as fishing, pollution, and climate change.

Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park

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Mar de las Calmas: Spain’s First Marine National Park
  • Region: Islas Canarias
  • Island: El Hierro (La Restinga)
  • Declared a marine reserve: 1996
  • Marine reserve surface area: 750 hectares
  • Declared a Marine national park: Yet to be declared
  • Park surface area: To be confirmed but it is estimated to be a massive 24,000 hectares

The Mar de las Calmas, located off the coast of La Restinga in Spain’s Canary Islands, is set to become Spain’s first fully marine national park. This historic move will protect an underwater ecosystem rich in biodiversity, centered around the famous underwater mountain El Bajón. The proposed designation, approved by the Spanish Cabinet, will now undergo a parliamentary process to finalize its status.

El Bajón: A Legendary Dive Site

El Bajón, a sharp underwater mountain just off La Restinga, rises nearly to the surface, missing the open air by mere feet. This area is famous among underwater photographers for its dramatic landscape and rich marine life, including large groupers and manta rays. Since 1996, El Bajón has been part of the Mar de las Calmas marine reserve, which has helped preserve the diverse species found in these waters. The new national park status aims to extend this protection across a larger area.

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Killer whale – Orcinus orca – Orca

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Orcas in Spanish waters

The killer whale, scientifically known as Orcinus orca or simply orca in Spanish, is a highly intelligent and social marine mammal. It is the largest member of the dolphin family and can be found in oceans all over the world, including off the coast of Spain. The “Iberian orcas” belong to the type found usually … Read more

Short-finned pilot whale – Globicephala macrorhynchus – Calderón tropical

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Short-finned pilot whale – Globicephala macrorhynchus – Calderón tropical

The Short-finned pilot whale – Globicephala macrorhynchus – Calderón tropical is a large, deep-diving whale found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world. With their distinctive black or dark gray coloration, rounded forehead, and prominent dorsal fin, these highly social animals are known for traveling in groups of 10 to over 100 individuals and … Read more

The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

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The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

The Striped Dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is a species of marine mammal that is found in oceans and coastal waters around the world, including in Spanish waters. They are known for their distinctive blue and white striped coloration and their acrobatic displays. In Spanish it is called el delfín listado In Spain, the Striped Dolphin is … Read more