Amidst these troubled COVID-19 times, there is a sight to behold putting smiles on people’s faces in Portugal. Dolphins have been seen splashing around in the water on the Capital’s shores.
According to a 2015 report by the Sea School and the Marine Science Association in Lisbon, Dolphins have not been commonly seen here since Roman times. However, the Coronavirus pandemic has vastly reduced the amount of commuter ferries crossing the river & has halted the cruise ship industry; this has led to a huge boost in the river water quality.
However, Marine Biologist Francisco Martinho who specialises in these wonderful creatures, said there was more to the story.
“It’s not because the river has become more peaceful that dolphins are spending more time there, It’s because there are more fish than usual for them to eat. It is not clear why this is the case, but the dolphins are certainly enjoying the abundance of food!”
Francisco Martinho
Dolphin Specialist & Marine Biologist
Social media channels have been alive with users commenting on the amazing sight. Dolphin lovers have been ecstatic to see them back again in their own back yard. It is great to see that at this particularly difficult time for us all, good news is out there!
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