Close encounters with solitary dolphins: New study warns of risks from human interaction with lone dolphins in Spain
- First comprehensive analysis of solitary dolphins in Spain: The study documents 17 solitary bottlenose dolphins recorded in Spanish waters since 1970, most of them in Galicia.
- From solitary to “solitary-sociable”: Some dolphins begin actively interacting with humans, creating complex challenges for animal welfare and management.
- Risks for dolphins and people: Frequent contact increases the likelihood of disturbance, injuries and fatal boat strikes for dolphins, while also creating potentially dangerous situations for swimmers, divers and other water-goers.
- Prevention is key: Awareness-raising, early intervention and targeted protection measures are essential to prevent dolphins from becoming habituated to humans.
Encounters with wild dolphins are often seen as magical experiences. But a new scientific study shows that especially when dolphins live alone, such interactions can become dangerous – both for the animals and for people. Analysing more than five decades of documented cases in Spain, researchers highlight why early management and responsible human behaviour are essential.
A new scientific study published in the journal Animal Behaviour analyses for the first time the history of solitary dolphins in Spanish waters since 1970, as well as the challenges that their presence poses both for their welfare and survival, and for the safety of people who interact with them.
The research identifies 17 solitary bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) recorded in Spain, 14 of which have been observed in Galician waters, making this a key area for the phenomenon. Some of these animals have gone on to interact regularly with humans, becoming what are scientifically termed “solitary-sociable dolphins” — a particularly complex situation from a management and animal welfare perspective.
From solitary individuals to “solitary-sociable” dolphins
The study describes and analyses the different phases of sociability that solitary dolphins have been shown to develop, ranging from individuals that avoid human contact to those that actively seek interactions with people. Two cases from Galicia — the dolphins known as Gaspar and Confi — are presented in detail to illustrate how these interactions can evolve over time.
Hidden risks behind seemingly magical encounters
According to the study, although such encounters may be perceived as positive or unique experiences, close interaction with humans can have negative consequences for the animal’s welfare, including increasing the risk of injury (also fatal injury), disturbance, or negative behavioural changes. Direct contact also poses risks to human safety, particularly when the dolphin approaches swimmers, sailors or marine professionals, such as divers when they are underwater.
The lead author, Laetitia Nunny, Senior Science Officer at OceanCare who has been studying the impacts of interactions with humans on dolphin welfare for many years, explains: “Many people see close encounters with a wild dolphin as magical. But for solitary dolphins, this closeness can become a trap. Once they become habituated to humans, the risk of disturbance, injury and fatal accidents increases dramatically. The recent tragic death of the young dolphin Ladiña in Galicia shows why we urgently need to learn how to behave around these special wild animals.”
Long-term observations from Galicia
Alfredo López, Head of Environmental Education at CEMMA (Coordinadora para o Estudo dos Mamíferos Mariños) and co-author of the article, has been studying solitary dolphins in Galicia for 36 years: “Solitary dolphins compensate for their social and emotional deficits by approaching swimmers and sailors because they believe we are as comfortable in their environment as they are. However, they do not fully understand that the human condition is very different from their dolphin values. They only see one part of our multifaceted human personality — perhaps the best part — and do not perceive the more negative aspects: selfishness, vanity, deceit, aggression, betrayal or revenge. This is what ultimately kills them.”
Strengthening protection through existing laws
The article reviews the existing legal framework in Spain for the protection of cetaceans (dolphins, whales and porpoises), highlighting how these laws can and should be used to safeguard the welfare of solitary dolphins. The authors stress that preventing a solitary dolphin from becoming a solitary-sociable one is a key priority in reducing long-term risks.
Mark Simmonds, Scientific Director of OceanCare, who has studied the solitary-sociable phenomenon across decades, and who is also an author of the new study, adds: “People usually love seeing dolphins, and we understand that they may feel very motivated to interact with them. However, what this new research reinforces is that, both for the welfare of the dolphins and to help ensure public safety, it is very important not to get into the water with them and befriend them. This can cause their behaviour to change and they become focused on seeking human interactions, often leading to dangerous situations for the dolphin and, sometimes, its admirers.”
Preventing risky interactions through early action
The study proposes practical recommendations for the development of management plans, which could include temporary public access restrictions in certain areas and greater flexibility in local fishing practices to avoid conflicts between humans and dolphin. Public education and awareness-raising are considered essential to ensure appropriate behaviour and compliance with existing legislation.
The authors conclude that early, coordinated, and evidence-based management is essential to protect both solitary dolphins and people, and to ensure responsible coexistence with these animals in Spanish waters. They call on authorities to fund scientific monitoring and further research on these unique individuals.
Further information
Article: Solitary dolphins in Spain and recommendations for their management
Authors: Laetitia Nunny, Mónica González, Alfredo López, Pablo Covelo, Jose Antonio Martínez-Cedeira, Xabier Pin, Uxía Vázquez, María Macías González, Paula San Martín Lorén, Mark P. Simmonds
a) OceanCare,Wädenswil, Switzerland
b) CEMMA Coordinadora para oEstudo dos Mamíferos Mariños, Nigrán, Spain
c) Campus Do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, Spain
d) Biologia / CESAM, Universidade de Aveiro, Portugal
e) TechnicalSupport for Marine Biodiversity TRAGSATEC within the project “Conservation actions, improvement of knowledge of the marine environment, and environmental protection of marine habitats, species, and marine protected areas” financed with Next Generation EU funds for the Spanish Ministry for the Environment (MITECO – Ministerio para la Transición Ecológica y el Reto Demográfico), Pontevedra, Spain
f) Schoolof Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, United Kingdom
Notes to editors
For more information about solitary-sociable dolphins including other scientific papers detailing their numbers, locations and recommendations for their management please see the relevant OceanCare page: Solitary Dolphins Risks and Responses.
See also ‘A Global Reassessment of Solitary-Sociable Dolphins’
Media contact
Laetitia Nunny, Senior Science Officer, OceanCare, lnunny@oceancare.org
Anton Mattmüller, International Media Relations Officer, OceanCare, amattmueller@oceancare.org