Walvis Bay coastal waters a dolphin hotspot

The coastal waters off Walvis Bay once again proved to be a hotspot for marine mammals in 2025. According to the Marine Eco Foundation Namibia, a total of around 3 720 dolphin sightings were recorded over the course of the year – a figure that highlights both the diversity of species and the effectiveness of ongoing research and conservation efforts. The largest share, with 2 157 sightings, were the rare Heaviside’s dolphins. In addition, there were 1 130 sightings of bottlenose dolphins and 433 sightings of black dolphins. The numbers are based on systematic surveys as well as reports from researchers, volunteers and members of the public who shared their observations on the water.

- Claudia Reiter