HARBOUR PORPOISE

Phocoena phocoena

The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is one of the smallest cetaceans and the only porpoise species found in Portuguese waters. Unlike dolphins, it belongs to the family Phocoenidae and it has a short, rounded snout with spade-shaped teeth. This species is shy and usually stays underwater, rarely jumping or approaching boats, which makes it hard to see at sea. It lives in cold to temperate coastal and shelf waters. In Portugal, it occurs along the continental coast but is less often seen in the south. The species faces serious conservation challenges due to bycatch and habitat loss, and is listed as Critically Endangered in mainland Portugal.