The Administration of the Port of Lisbon has developed a pioneering project in Portugal for the observation of Dolphins in the Tagus River, in Lisbon. This is an initiative developed in partnership with ANP|WWF (Associação Natureza Portugal | World Wide Fund For Nature) and MARE – Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences with ISPA (University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences), aiming to understand spatial and seasonal patterns of use of the river estuary by cetaceans, such as the common dolphin.
The “Dolphins in the Tagus” Observatory is installed at the Maritime Traffic and Security Coordination and Control Center of the Port of Lisbon (VTS Tower), in Algés, a privileged place to detect dolphins that visit the estuary.
It has a team of researchers and volunteers trained in marine observation and scientific recording, who continuously observe the lower Tagus Estuary area in search of cetaceans, also recording human activities, atmospheric conditions, among other factors. The collected information will serve for the development of academic theses, scientific articles and other works of scientific dissemination, as well as to serve as a basis for a wider dissemination to the general public.
Observe with various supports
On the terrace of the VTS Tower there is an observation post with binoculars that allow to observe the river from the April 25th Bridge and a telescope that provides a more detailed view, in particular of the area closest to the south bank. On a tripod, a video camera is installed that also records the sightings.
Source: Time Out
Observation is complemented with the help of acoustic records, obtained through a sensor/recorder installed underwater (identified on the surface by a green buoy), next to the VTS Tower, making it possible to hear the mammals’ vocalizations (each dolphin has a unique vocalization, which allows its identification).
The project also includes a more hands-on component, with “sea outings” for photographic recording. This is because it is also possible to tell whether they are always the same dolphins by their dorsal fins, as it is almost like a fingerprint.
There are more and more dolphins in the Tagus
Over the years, these friendly and intelligent mammals have appeared frequently in the area, but little is known about them. Which species swim in the Tagus? Are they always the same groups? What do they come here to do? How many are there? These are some of the questions that the ongoing research aims to answer.
While we wait for the answers to these questions, we will continue sailing along the Tagus River, always hoping for new sightings!
