Toñi, one of the oldest and most well-known orcas in the Iberian Peninsula, has once again become a topic of discussion. At 60 years old, this matriarch has been sighted in Galician waters with wounds that, according to experts, are consistent with shotgun pellets. Her presence, along with her pod, has reignited the debate about the protection of these cetaceans in the Iberian Peninsula.
The discovery occurred during expeditions organized by the Coordinator for the Study of Marine Mammals (Cemma) last Sunday. A total of three boats set out simultaneously to survey marine fauna at different points along the Galician coast, and it was in the Vigo estuary where researchers encountered a group of seven or eight orcas, among them Toñi. This was no ordinary sighting: the female had several open wounds that, according to biologists, could be the result of a gunshot attack that occurred weeks earlier in the south of the Iberian Peninsula.
A simultaneous census with surprises
The outings, part of Cemma's summer campaigns, took place aboard the 'Chasula' in the Arousa estuary, the 'Evangelina' in the Vigo estuary, and the 'A Munís' in Fisterra. In addition to orcas, participants observed numerous groups of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) approaching the boats, and in Fisterra, two whales were sighted that may be blue whales, although this will need to be confirmed after analysis of the photographic and video footage. The day reaffirmed the high biodiversity of the Galician coast , a true treasure for nature lovers.
The president of Cemma, biologist Alfredo López, highlighted the importance of these censuses for understanding the status of cetacean populations. "With these campaigns, we raise awareness about the need to protect the environment and obtain invaluable information," he explained. The presence of a calf in the orca pod is a hopeful sign , as it indicates that the population, although small, continues to reproduce.
Gunshot wounds and legal protection
Toñi's condition has generated great concern among experts. The wounds, described as 'open' and consistent with shotgun pellets, were discovered a few weeks ago. According to biologists, the shooting may have occurred in the south of the Iberian Peninsula, although the investigation is still ongoing. Shooting an orca is a serious crime under the Penal Code , punishable by imprisonment for six months to two years, in addition to fines and disqualification from hunting or fishing.
The Iberian killer whale is listed as a vulnerable species in the Spanish Catalogue of Threatened Species, and its population is considered critically endangered. Protecting these animals is essential for their survival , and any harm against them is punishable by law. Administrative penalties can be very high, and in serious cases, the matter may end up in court.
Toñi's pack: names and hope
In the group sighted in the Vigo estuary, researchers identified Toñi and the male Pingu, as well as a calf. This isn't the first time Toñi has been seen in Galicia; she has visited these waters in previous years. The matriarch, at 60 years old, is a symbol of the resilience of this species , which struggles to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. The names given to the orcas by scientists help track them and study their behavior.
The sighting ended with the orcas swimming southwest, a movement that experts will continue to monitor closely. Citizen science plays a key role in these censuses , allowing volunteers to participate in data collection and identification. All of this is done under the supervision of the Galician Regional Government (Xunta de Galicia) and the Ministry.
The reappearance of Toñi with gunshot wounds has once again highlighted the need to protect Iberian orcas. Sightings in Galicia demonstrate that these waters are a refuge for marine wildlife , but also that the threat of gunfire remains. While authorities investigate the incident, the scientific community and volunteers continue their monitoring and conservation efforts, hoping that Toñi's story will raise awareness about the importance of respecting these majestic animals.