The Algarve Stranding Network (Rede de Arrojamentos do Algarve, or RAAlg) has launched a new website to encourage people to report dead beached animals, such as dolphins, whales and sea turtles.
The regional network had been “inactive” since 2017 but has been resurrected by the University of the Algarve.
Marine biologists Ana Marçalo, João Tata Regala and João Pontes, the team behind RAAlg, want to obtain “as much information as possible” about any cetacean or sea turtle that is found beached in the region.
Citizens can report their findings directly on the new website (which is also available in English) by filling out a form. The website also lists several useful contacts for relevant authorities.
Ana Marçalo, who is also a researcher at the University of the Algarve and CCMar (sea science studies) and project coordinator, says the website is an “important step” towards getting people involved in the scientific process.
“Each time a citizen reports a stranded animal, it allows us to reach it in time to observe, register and collect samples that will help the scientific investigation of protected marine species,” she added.
The network also has an emergency hotline which can be contacted 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
+351 968 688 233
