More than 400 guests gathered at Poema del Mar this week for a major charity gala focused on raising awareness to protect the oceans and marine biodiversity in the Canary Islands.

The event, organised by Loro Parque Fundación to mark World Oceans Day, brought together political representatives, business leaders and members of the scientific community for one of the archipelagos most important environmental fundraising events.

Funds Raised for Whale and Dolphin Protection

Money raised during the evening will go towards the development of SOFIANet (Sensing Ocean Frequencies through Integrated Acoustic Networks), an innovative project designed to monitor whales and dolphins in the Strait of Gibraltar through advanced acoustic technology.

The initiative is a collaboration between Loro Parque Fundación, Fundación Reina Sofía, CIRCE and Universidad de La Laguna.

Scientists involved in the project aim to reduce threats to cetaceans, including collisions with boats and increasing underwater noise pollution.

Entertainment during the gala was provided by the Bach IBF Canarias music quartet, which accompanied the evening dedicated to marine conservation.

“Listening to the Ocean”

Christoph Kiessling highlighted the importance of scientific research being developed in the Canary Islands.

“Tonight we are not only celebrating the beauty of the sea at Poema del Mar, but also supporting cutting-edge projects that demonstrate the Canary Islands are an international reference point in defending biodiversity,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Javier Almunia explained the technology behind the project.

“SOFIANet allows us to listen to the ocean in order to better understand and protect it,” he said. “Using a hybrid network of hydrophones and smart buoys, we will be able to detect orcas, sperm whales and other cetaceans within minutes, generating essential data for marine management.”

Long History of Marine Conservation

Loro Parque Fundación began its marine conservation projects in 2004 and has since developed 83 marine initiatives, investing almost 7 million dollars specifically in ocean protection projects.

Among its earlier achievements was support in 2006 for a pioneering project that developed diagnostic kits capable of detecting antibodies linked to various pathogens affecting orcas.

Globally, the foundation says it has invested more than 30 million dollars in over 300 conservation projects worldwide, helping save 18 animal species from extinction.

The event also received support from numerous companies committed to sustainability and environmental protection, including Vintia, Audiovisuales Canarias, Activa Canarias, Comesa, Emicela, Danafresh, Egatesa, Orthidal, Europastry, Makro, Ahembo, CCC (Dorada), Firgas, Perelada-Chivite, and Gráficas Guiniguada.