Conserve Whales and Marine Life in Canary Islands

Teno-Rasca Reserve, situated in the western sector of Tenerife, is a marine strip designated as a Special Conservation Area (SAC) since September 2011.

As part of the Natura 2000 Network, special conservation areas create a protected network of sites across Europe, aiming to ensure the long-term survival of the most endangered species and natural habitats, thereby mitigating the loss of biodiversity caused by human activities.

This reserve offers an ideal environment for numerous marine mammal species, providing the opportunity to observe over 20 different types of marine mammals.  

In collaboration with our partners, WhaleExpress and CEAMAR, we conduct comprehensive data collection, including; photo identification, behavioral data, seasonal abundance of various species, human impact in the area, analysis of interactions between marine mammals and vessels.

This extensive research allows us to gain insights into the conservation needs of individual species and their habitats. We conducted over 260 surveys monitoring 10 species over the past year.  

A vital aspect of our project involves beach cleans, where we remove plastics and other debris washed ashore or left by visitors, aiming to reduce the environmental impact of debris in the region. By the end of 2023 we had conducted over 80 clean ups and collected over 1800 kgs of waste.

Our project also includes educational workshops.  We conducted 36 workshops focussing on the sustainable development goals and our pledge to address live on land and life under water. Over 250 people attended these workshops.

We value your support and acknowledge that your donations play a crucial role in making projects and conservation efforts feasible. Your contributions directly benefit research equipment, resources, and training programs.

We'll keep you informed about our progress and the positive impact of your support.