Regular Presence of Harbor Porpoises in the Northern Alborán Sea

ABSTRACT The harbor porpoise ( Phocoena phocoena ) in the Atlantic waters of Spain and Portugal are a genetically differentiated population from the rest of the North Atlantic. They are rarely seen on the southern Atlantic coast of Spain and are thought to be extinct in the Mediterranean Sea, with scattered sightings and strandings recorded along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. Here, we present 35 live sightings of harbor porpoises along a ~15 km coastline between Los Boliches (Fuengirola) and Benalmádena in Andalucia. The data were collected from whale watching vessels in two distinct periods: 2011–2013 and 2015–2019. The sightings included single individuals (20%) and groups of to up to 6 animals, including calves (especially in 2019). In one encounter, the animals were harassed by people on jet skis. The presence of porpoises and threats they face in this relatively narrow area highlight the need to implement conservation efforts and increase protection.