New marine rescue centre planned for Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is set to build a new marine wildlife recovery centre in Taliarte, in the municipality of Telde, to cope with growing demand for the treatment of injured sea life. The facility will improve care for species including turtles, seabirds and cetaceans, with a focus on rehabilitation before release back into the ocean.
The new centre will be constructed next to the existing site and will cover more than 2,100 square metres. It will combine upgraded existing facilities with newly designed spaces tailored to modern recovery needs, greatly increasing capacity.
Plans include three platforms with specialised pools fitted with wave systems to help animals regain strength, as well as a large indoor pool designed to allow seabirds to practise flying during recovery. An external glass viewing area will also be installed, enabling visitors to observe the animals while supporting education and awareness.
The centre will work closely with the wildlife recovery unit in Tafira, where stranded animals are first assessed and, if necessary, undergo surgery before being transferred to Taliarte for recovery. Until now, the site has lacked a fully equipped area for post-operative care, but the new project will introduce a dedicated treatment space with surgical equipment and improved handling systems.
One of the biggest reasons for the redevelopment is the deterioration of the current buildings due to their exposed coastal location. Taliarte is subject to strong north-easterly winds and constant sea air, which accelerate wear and tear. Engineers plan to use specially treated concrete designed to withstand harsh marine conditions and extend the lifespan of the new structures.
The upgraded facility will also feature a 300-square-metre open-air treatment area, storage zones and a controlled public walkway connected to the coastal promenade between Taliarte and Playa del Hombre. This will allow passers-by to observe recovering animals from a safe distance, adding an educational element to the site.
The project is being led by the Gran Canaria Cabildo with a total investment of €528,000. Around 85% of the funding comes from European cooperation funds under the Interreg Madeira-Azores-Canarias programme, with the remaining 15% covered locally.
Experts say the centre will play a huge role in raising awareness, particularly among school groups, about the impact of pollution on marine life. It also forms part of a wider international initiative to create a network of wildlife recovery centres across the Canary Islands and several African countries, aimed at improving conservation efforts and professional training.
Although the facility will treat a range of species, much of its work is expected to focus on sea turtles, which are the most commonly stranded animals in the Canary Islands. Studies suggest the number of strandings could increase in the coming years, partly due to climate change.
Construction is expected to take around one year, with the current centre remaining operational during the build. Once completed, animals will be moved into the new facility while the existing site is refurbished, with some usable infrastructure being reused.
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