Monitor this situation.

Unsubscribe anytime.

[SITUATION] · [QUIET] · [INTERNATIONAL]

3 clusters · 32 sources · 23 days · First seen about 2 months ago · Last updated 26 days ago

Investigation into injuries of Iberian orca

Overview

Conservation organizations WeWhale and the Iberian Orca Guardians reported potential gunshot wounds on an Iberian orca named ‘Toñi’. The animal, estimated to be 60 years old and known as ‘La Abuela’ (the grandmother), is considered the oldest known member of this critically endangered subpopulation, which numbers fewer than 40 individuals. Observers noted a pattern of holes in the dorsal fin that led to suspicions of shotgun fire.

Following these reports, Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (Miteco) launched a formal investigation into the injuries, which were spotted in the waters of the Strait of Gibraltar. The marks on the whale’s dorsal fin and back are reportedly consistent with shotgun pellet impacts. Recent details indicate approximately ten impact marks, which conservationists state are consistent with shotgun pellets, possibly ‘9mm buckshot used for hunting wild boar’. Technical analysis by the Atlantic Orca Working Group suggests these are 9mm lead pellets. There are concerns that some projectiles may remain lodged in the animal’s tissue, posing a risk of infection or sepsis.

As the investigation has progressed, the Ministry has referred the case to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office after finding evidence of a crime against protected fauna. Preliminary findings suggest the shots were likely fired from a Spanish-flagged vessel while it was located in Portuguese waters. The Guardia Civil is currently working to identify the perpetrators and verify the vessel's documentation and weapons permits. Spanish officials continue to coordinate with Portuguese authorities to address the international aspects of the incident. Under Spanish law, harming these vulnerable animals can result in criminal liability and fines of up to 2 million euros.

Entities

Toni · Strait of Gibraltar · Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge · WeWhale · Iberian Orca Guardians

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 24 SOURCES] The wounds on the orca's dorsal fin are consistent with shotgun pellet impacts.
[● 24 SOURCES] Conservation groups documented approximately ten new wounds on the dorsal fin and back of the orca named Toñi.
[● 19 SOURCES] The injuries to the orca Toñi are recent, as they were not visible in photographs taken several weeks ago.
[● 18 SOURCES] The Iberian orca subpopulation is estimated to consist of fewer than 40 individuals.
[● 18 SOURCES] Spain has opened a preliminary investigation to identify the perpetrators and potentially initiate sanctioning proceedings.
[● 3 SOURCES] Spanish authorities are coordinating with Portuguese officials because the wounds may have occurred in Portuguese waters.
[● 2 SOURCES] Violating laws protecting marine species can result in fines of up to 2 million euros and criminal liability.
[● 2 SOURCES] MITECO considers a Spanish-flagged yacht responsible for shooting an orca named Toñi with a shotgun. www.cadizdirecto.com · www.lavozdegalicia.es
[● 2 SOURCES] The alleged shots were fired from a Spanish vessel while in Portuguese waters. www.cadizdirecto.com · www.lavozdegalicia.es
[● 2 SOURCES] The victim is Toñi, the oldest orca in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz population. www.cadizdirecto.com · www.lavozdegalicia.es
[● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry has referred the case to the Environmental Prosecutor's Office. www.cadizdirecto.com · www.lavozdegalicia.es
[● 2 SOURCES] The Guardia Civil is investigating the identity of the suspects and checking vessel documentation. www.cadizdirecto.com · www.lavozdegalicia.es

Timeline

26 days ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Spanish authorities investigate shooting of long-lived orca Toñi
Spanish authorities are investigating a Spanish-flagged yacht suspected of shooting Toñi, a long-lived orca, in Portuguese waters. The suspects face potential criminal charges and fines up to €2 million.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 28 sources
Iberian orca Toñi suspected shot in Strait of Gibraltar
Spain is investigating the suspected shotgun shooting of Toñi, an endangered Iberian orca in the Strait of Gibraltar, found with multiple pellet wounds on her dorsal fin.
about 2 months ago

[INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
Iberian orca suspected of being shot
Conservationists are investigating potential gunshot wounds on ‘Toñi’, an elderly and endangered Iberian orca, amid reports of eyewitnesses to a shooting incident.

Sources

agerpres.ro · brasilemfolhas.com · caminodesantiago.lavozdegalicia.com · canal44.com · diariodecadiz.es · diariodejerez.es · e-thessalia.gr · euronews.net · extra.globo.com · fordommer.no · gargalianoionline.gr · hu.euronews.com · iefimerida.gr · index.hu · it.euronews.com · kronline.at · lavozdigital.es · lazampa.it · madata.gr · palermo.repubblica.it · portnet.gr · pt.euronews.com · razydzisiaj.pl · rmf24.pl · rr.sapo.pt · segel-filme.de · sofokleousin.gr · wdez.com · wsau.com · wtvbam.com · wxerfm.com · zielona.interia.pl

This summary has been updated 5 times: see revision history