The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute (BDRI) headquarter is situated in the picturesque town of O Grove (42° 29′43″N, 008° 51′50 W), nestled on a peninsula within the Rías Baixas, situated on the South West coast of Galicia in North-western Spain. This region is exceptionally conducive for bottlenose dolphin research, owing to the presence of a resident population.

 

The BDRI's study area encompasses the North Western coast of the Iberian Peninsula, specifically the waters of Ría de Arousa, part of the Rías Baixas and the surrounding marine environment. Characterized by a relatively narrow continental shelf spanning approximately 15,000 km2, this region lies within the northern extremity of a significant upwelling zone—the eastern boundary system off NW Africa and SW Europe. Frequent upwelling of cold, dense North Atlantic Central Water enriches the area with nutrients, rendering it among the world's most productive oceanic regions. Notably, this coastline ranks among the world's most productive oceanic areas, boasting rich biodiversity, flourishing fisheries, and significant aquaculture activities, supported by nutrient influx from coastal upwelling events. Galicia stands as Spain's primary fishing region and one of the world's foremost, housing 87 fishing ports and over 5000 fishing boats along its 1195 km coastline.

 

The abundant cetacean diversity in these waters—embracing 22 different species—facilitates multiple ongoing research initiatives conducted by the BDRI team. These endeavors center on studying the ecology and behavior of various species, including bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena), short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas), killer whales (Orcinus orca), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), beaked whales (3 species), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). Additionally, Galician waters host hundreds of marine bird species and the Eurasian otter, broadening the scope of our ecological investigations.

 

 

The beauty of the coastline around O Grove has turned the town into one of Galicia’s most visited areas. People, who come attracted by the beauty of the beaches and landscapes, also know that they will find the freshest sea products, pride of the local gastronomy. Designation of Origin “Rías Baixas” wines accompany the wide variety of seafood. In addition to shellfish gathering and shallow-water fishing, the population lives from farming mussels, oysters and scallops. There are many activities in O Grove and they include beautiful scenic walks, and fun boat tours enjoying the richness of the Ría aboard one of the underwater-vision vessels. O Grove is also home to the first aquarium opened in Galicia where you can discover many of the local marine fauna. Another superb experience is learning to surf at Lanzada beach with one of the best surfing schools in Galicia, under the guidance of professional surf instructors (who will teach how to ride the waves). BDRI interns have special discounts. Other outdoor and water sports, like cycling, kayaking and sailing can be enjoyed as well as  visiting the lovely town of O Grove, which also offers a multitude of restaurants and a lively night life. In addition to contemplating the Atlantic landscapes such as the large sandy beach of A Lanzada or the Umia-O Grove inter-tidal complex (a very interesting ornithological refuge), you can rest on the secluded coves of the Arousa firth, just take a walk through the lovely nature paths available. In this peninsula, all nature lovers can find wonderful corners with an undeniable beauty.

 

 

Seagulls tend to dominate the area due to the sea’s proximity, however there are also hundreds of other species which either live here permanently or just seasonally. Other bird species such as wading birds can be seen in the Umia-O Grove inter-tidal complex (a very important wetland protected under Natura 2000), such as oyster-catchers, turn-stones, dunlins, golden plovers, curlews, Kentish plovers and sandpipers. In addition, different species of ducks, herons, spoonbills, little egrets, gulls, terns, divers, scoters and  cormorants, coming from the north of Europe, are also present in this area. This protected area is also included in the list of Wetlands of International Importance, according to the Ramsar Convention, and is also considered a Site of Community Importance.

 

O Grove is situated near the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park, protected under the network Natura 2000, and declared a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and Special Protection Area (SPA). The Atlantic Islands are made up of an archipelago of islands located off the south west coast of Galicia and is the only National Park in the region. Picturesque and tranquil, the islands were declared a national park on July 1st 2002 and have since been carefully controlled to protect the delicate ecosystem that exists within its borders. Marine birds also form a major part of the wildlife population of the islands and there are many spots where bird watchers can catch a glimpse of the parks residents in their natural habitats.

 

The area in which O Grove is located has an oceanic climate. The daily average temperature lies around 9.5°C (49.1 °F) in January and 25°C (68.9 °F) in July. The weather is mild, which is due to the proximity of the sea and the moderating effect of the firth. Autumn and winter can have periods of rain while summer generally is dry, with the odd heavy rainfall now and then. More than 20 species of cetaceans have been recorded in Galician waters, the most abundant in the coastal rías are bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis). Other species present in the area include Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas), killer whales (Orcinus orca), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), beaked whales (3 species), humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata), sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis), fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus), and blue whales (Balaenoptera musculus). We also find Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra) in rivers and along the shoreline of Galician rías. Galicia is home to hundreds of species of birds, either permanently or seasonally and include several species of seagulls, cormorants, shags, gannets, auks, shearwaters, petrels, skuas, terns, herons, loons, and many more. A variety of conservation issues affect the marine life in Galician waters, many of which are related to human activity, such as the interaction with fisheries, (a significant cause of mortality), overfishing, aquaculture activities, oil spills, pollution, the effects of noise from shipping, military activity and tourism. The degree of impact of any human activity, varies considerably between different species and depends on their ecology, distribution and abundance.

 

O Grove is one hour away from Santiago de Compostela. People from all over the world come to visit the city every year, many of them reaching the end of the "Camino de Santiago" pilgrimage route. Its historic centre has been designated a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. But, this is not the only thing that makes this beautiful city interesting. The University of Santiago de Compostela is one of the oldest Spanish universities and has more than 40,000 students corresponding to almost half of the city’s population, making Santiago one of the centres of the university education in Spain. The city offers everything from history and culture to a great nightlife. Close to our study area there also is the town called Finisterre. Before America was discovered, it was believed that this was the end of the world. Many cities such as Pontevedra, Vigo, A Coruña, Cambados, Combarro and even Porto (Portugal) are close, and certainly worth a visit. It is also possible to visit the Atlantic Islands of Galicia National Park: Cies islands in Vigo or Ons island with its magnificent cliffs. Indeed, this whole area offers incredible places to visit, discover and study!

 

Galicia, Spain

Capital: Santiago de Compostela (A Coruña)
Provinces: A Coruña, Lugo, Ourense and Pontevedra
Galicia is known in Spain as the "land of the 1000 rivers". Those rivers cross the whole region from the mountainous inland to the coast, where they form the characteristic "Rias". The coast itself offers great contrasts, from the smooth beaches of As Mariñas to the dangerous cliffs of Costa de la Muerte, the "coast of death".

The first cultures present in Galicia were Celtic, and then the Romans left the walls of Lugo, the bridge of Ourense, and the Tower of Hercules as their legacy. The middle Ages were marked by the discovery of the tomb of the Apostle Santiago (Saint James). Thousands of pilgrims made their way to the cathedral of the newly founded town: Santiago de Compostela.

alicia's folklore clearly shows its Celtic and Gaelic origins and the most characteristic musical instrument is the Gaita (bagpipe). Regional gastronomy is of great reputation for its excellent seafood, Empanada Gallega (a typical pie of fish or meat), traditional sweets prepared in some monasteries (where the recipes are jealously kept secret), and the Ribeiro wine.

 

HOW TO REACH THE BDRI in O GROVE

Arrival by plane

The nearest international airports are Santiago de Compostela (80 km), Vigo (65 km) and Porto (Portugal). From the airport of Santiago or Vigo take a city bus or a taxi to the local bus-station (estación de autobuses) or to the railway-station (estación de RENFE) (ticket can be purchased directly on the bus, in cash). From the airport of Porto, take first a bus to the city centre and then a bus to Pontevedra (with Flixbus, for example).

 

Then, there are different options to come to O Grove:

- By bus: take a direct bus to O Grove (from the bus station - only from Santiago and Pontevedra); or take a first bus to Pontevedra and another bus Pontevedra - O Grove;

- By train: take a train to Pontevedra and then a bus Pontevedra - O Grove.

 

Please check the timetables before your departure:

Bus company: http://www.monbus.es

Railway company: http://www.renfe.com

Note: on the website, www.monbus.es, if you write as a departure, for example, Vigo, and destination, O Grove, the website will only show you the direct buses; so you will have to check the buses from Vigo to Pontevedra and then from Pontevedra to O Grove separately to see all possibilities.

 

In O Grove, the BDRI centre is within walking distance of the bus station. If you have any questions about getting to O Grove, just let us know.

 

 

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