“Adventures for monster hunters” in the Canaries. This is the end of illegal trips

Shark hammer and sticker are two species today on the verge of survival. Unfortunately, for years in the Canary Islands these sea predators were treated as a tourist attraction. Expeditions under the slogan “Adventures for monster hunters” would be further organized illegally, if not for the returning interventions of environmentalists. The changes began for good when the organizer of one of the cruises at Lanzarote was imprisoned.

Such cruises are the past

Dangerous expeditions in the footsteps of sharks and rays have been liquidated. “Just two years ago, tourists on the island of Lanzarote could get on the boat and go halfway in the Atlantic Ocean,” writes nakanarach.pl. These predators are rare and protected here, so showing them in social media was a real prize for participants.

Thanks to the vigilance of ecologists, this dubious practice was interrupted. ADACIS and Latitud Azul associations lodged a complaint about the organizer who was unable to defend himself in court. Ultimately, the entrepreneur was found guilty and was imprisoned for 10 months.

Changes in Spanish law

On the occasion of this process, a significant legal gap was found – rays and sharks are protected by Spanish law, but only in the Mediterranean. This must change to cut off the way to conduct this type of activity to others. The problem is also the assignment of a protective status, which many species have still not received.

“In response to detected neglect, a group of scientists launched in 2025 a project to protect 78 species of rays and sharks in the Canary Islands. The project also involves the involvement of residents and fisheries and tourism sectors in the care of these animals,” reads. As part of the initiative in the Islands, numerous educational workshops are planned.