Killer whales in the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species (CEEA)
The orca population in the Strait of Gibraltar and the Gulf of Cádiz is classified as Vulnerable in the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species (CEEA) developed by Royal Decree 139/2011 of February 4. For the species included in the Spanish Catalog of Endangered Species (CEEA)any action taken with the aim of killing, capturing, persecuting or harassing them is prohibited.
In addition, Royal Decree 1727/2007 of 21 December, which establishes protection measures for cetaceans, establishes a series of measures, including the prohibition of taking the boat within 60 meters of the cetaceans, feeding the animals, throwing away food, drinks, waste or any other kind of object or solid or liquid substance harmful to the cetaceans; making loud or shrill noises and noises to attract or chase them away, including making noises underwater.
This population of killer whales has developed a conservation plan by decision APM/427/2017 of 4 May, which approves protection measures, and the conservation plan for killer whales in the Strait and Gulf of Cádiz, which Article 4.3 prohibits the development of cetacean observation activities, whether commercial, private or scientific, in the critical area of the Ensenada de Barbate, Conil and Banco Majuán, during the critical period for the species, which takes place from March 1 to August 31.