At Whale Watch Tenerife, we are proud to be part of one of Tenerife’s most significant conservation initiatives: protecting the fledglings of the Cory’s shearwater, which are impacted each year by light pollution during their first flight. This campaign, running through the end of November, involves a broad network of volunteers, government agencies, and Tenerife’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Today, we want to share more about this vital work and how we have joined the collective effort to save these birds.

 

What is the Rescue Campaign for the Cory’s Shearwater?

The Cory’s Shearwater is a species of seabird that inhabits the Canary Islands from February to November, aligning with its reproductive cycle. In the fall, especially during October and November, the young birds take their first nocturnal flight toward the sea. However, many of these fledglings become disoriented due to light pollution from artificial lights in urban and tourist areas. This phenomenon causes the young birds to lose their way and fall to the ground, where they risk being hit by vehicles, attacked by domestic animals, or even dying from starvation if they are not rescued in time.

The Collective Effort: Tenerife’s Tourism Sector and Cabildo United

The rescue campaign is one of the most prominent initiatives within Tenerife’s tourism and hospitality sector, with the active support of the Environment Department of the Cabildo of Tenerife. The involvement of local authorities, led by Councilor Blanca Pérez, has been key to raising awareness among the population and training residents from eight municipalities on the island in the rescue and protection of these young birds.

During the 2023 campaign, the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center, managed by the Cabildo, rescued a total of 3,254 disoriented juvenile shearwaters. This center has played a fundamental role in the recovery and release of the chicks, which, after being cared for and checked by specialists, are eventually returned to their natural habitat.

 

Whale Watch Tenerife: A Commitment to Conservation

At Whale Watch Tenerife, we have enthusiastically joined this cause. Every year, we collaborate by transporting the lost chicks to the Captaincy facilities, from where they are transferred to the La Tahonilla Wildlife Recovery Center. There, the center’s professionals examine, treat, and care for the juvenile shearwaters to ensure they are in the best condition before being released back into the sea.

The work of everyone involved is essential to ensure that these young chicks survive and grow to complete their migratory cycle. Moreover, activities like these are crucial for preserving marine biodiversity and ensuring that species such as the Mediterranean shearwater continue to thrive in our waters.

Light pollution and habitat loss are among the greatest challenges marine species face today. Initiatives like this are a clear example of how, with the collective effort of the local community, authorities, and the tourism sector, we can make a positive impact on the conservation of our wildlife.

At Whale Watch Tenerife, we are committed to protecting marine biodiversity and raising environmental awareness. Thanks to the collaboration of all involved, we are taking another step to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy the natural beauty of Tenerife and its marine species.