According to a statement released by the ICNF, "dolphin watching and the presence of maritime, tourist, and recreational vessels at the entrance to the Sado Estuary are prohibited" for the third consecutive year.

"Whale watching is also prohibited during the month of August between 1 pm and 3 pm in the Sado Estuary and adjacent marine area," the statement adds.

According to the ICNF, "this decision is based on the conclusions of the 2022 Carrying Capacity Reassessment Study for Whale Watching in the Sado Estuary and adjacent marine area, which proposes measures to protect the resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which currently numbers 25 individuals."

"These exceptional measures, which will be in effect during the month of August, have the primary objective of reducing disturbances associated with the high number of vessels and ensuring the movement of animals at the estuary entrance, thus contributing to the protection of the Sado bottlenose dolphin population," the ICNF explains.

The statement also clarifies that "whale watching will continue to be permitted, except in the locations and periods indicated above."

According to information from a tour operator, there are "around 30 vessels from various companies licensed for dolphin watching in the Sado estuary, but there are others operating that are not properly licensed."