Africa-Press – Cape verde. Two adult male pilot whales were found stranded on March 31st on Salto beach, near Morro-Brás, on São Nicolau Island, and could not be saved despite alerts to the authorities. Following this incident, IMAR (the Portuguese Institute of the Sea) warns that this type of event can be a significant sign of ocean health and reinforces the need for greater attention to the conservation of marine ecosystems.
According to a statement from the Institute of the Sea (IMAR), these strandings are not just isolated losses, but also relevant indicators of the health of the oceans. Cetaceans play an essential role in regulating food chains and redistributing nutrients, contributing to the balance of marine ecosystems.
The same source recalls that in 2022, a group of this species was detected off the island, having emitted signals for 163 days, which points to favorable conditions for the presence and conservation of cetaceans in the region, according to data from monitoring campaigns.
The causes of strandings can be diverse, including diseases, noise pollution, environmental changes, the presence of toxins, and the social behavior of these animals themselves. The observation of sharks near the stranding site further illustrates the natural functioning of the trophic cycle, highlighting the complexity of ocean ecosystems.
IMAR emphasizes that, although impactful, the images of these episodes contribute to a better understanding of marine life and reinforce the need for its conservation.
In Cape Verde, the institution adds, the ocean plays a central role in the country’s history, culture, and identity, and these events serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the seas and biodiversity for the benefit of future generations.
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