TENERIFE-LA GOMERA AWARDED AS FIRST WHALE HERITAGE SITE IN EUROPE

TENERIFE-LA GOMERA AWARDED AS FIRST WHALE HERITAGE SITE IN EUROPE - As of January 27, Tenerife-La Gomera marine area, located in southwest Tenerife, Spain, has become the first Whale Heritage Site in Europe and the third in the world, after being awarded this title by World Cetacean Alliance (WCA).

The site in tourist hot-spot Tenerife now joins The Bluff, South Africa, and Hervey Bay, Australia, in this exclusive list. According to WCA, the award recognises “outstanding destinations that offer and celebrate responsible and sustainable wild whale and dolphin watching”.

With reference to this, it is important to recall that both local and national regulatory frameworks provide formal protection of the marine ecosystem, with two Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and a strong legislative framework protecting cetaceans. In Tenerife-La Gomera's marine area there are 28 cetacean species, most of which are migrant or seasonal. Among its “local residents” you will find short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins. In addition to developing this activity, this accreditation can bring a variety of festive events that celebrate the marine environment as well as provide education and inspiration for those interested in knowing more about the cetacean world and this specific marine area.

More information about Whale Watching in Tenerife can be found here