MAPAMA has held today a workshop with experts on the porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), the smallest cetacean that can be seen in Spain.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment (MAPAMA) today held a workshop with experts on the porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), the smallest cetacean that can be seen in Spain, with the aim of analysing the scientific information that will allow the development of the conservation plan for this species, classified as vulnerable in our waters and with a special presence in the North Atlantic and South Atlantic marine demarcations. 

The meeting, which took place at the Centre for Research in Experimental Marine Biology and Biotechnology in Plentzia (Bizkaia), is part of the LIFE IP INTEMARES project, coordinated by MAPAMA, through the Biodiversity Foundation, and in which measures will be implemented to improve the situation of cetaceans such as porpoises.

Galicia is the only area of the Spanish coast where the regular presence of this species in its waters has been identified. On the other hand, in the Cantabrian Sea and the Gulf of Cadiz there are sporadic sightings.

Several factors threaten their populations in Europe. The harbour porpoise is accidentally caught in various fishing gears. In addition, it has also been affected by the degradation of coastal ecosystems and pollution, as well as underwater noise and other impacts such as collisions with boats.

The experts participating in the workshop have analysed its threats and the conservation status of the species, as well as those research actions that will improve their knowledge. As a result of this meeting, the necessary management measures for the preparation of the national porpoise conservation plan will be agreed upon and will have the participation of all the specialists and technicians of the autonomous communities involved.

LIFE IP INTEMARES, the largest marine environment conservation project in Europe, aims to achieve a network of marine areas of the Natura 2000 Network, managed effectively, with the active participation of the sectors involved and with research as basic tools for decision-making. It is coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and the Environment, through the Biodiversity Foundation, and also acts as a partner through the General Directorate of Sustainability of the Coast and the Sea.

The Spanish Institute of Oceanography, WWF-Spain, SEO/BirdLife and the Spanish Fisheries Confederation participate as partners. It has the financial contribution of the European Union’s LIFE Programme, as well as the European Social Fund and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, among other sources of funding.