It was swimming alone when it was struck
The poor animal was photographed with injuries in Lyme Bay(Image: Marine Management Organisation)
Visitors flocking to South West beaches this summer are being warned to keep their distance from sea-life after a dolphin was mangled by what is thought to be a boat propeller.
The animal was photographed in Lyme Bay, at the border between Devon and Dorset, with approximately five gashes in it’s skin.
The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) said the animal has been swimming on its lonesome around Lyme Bay, delighting both tourists and locals.
However, in trying to engage with it, people have been putting the animal at risk and the organisation is urging members of the public to keep their distance.
Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation (Wildlife) at MMO, said: “Dolphins are protected and their need for rest, food, and space is essential to their survival.
“Repeated human interaction inevitably disrupt their natural behaviours, increasing stress and potentially altering their temperament.
“Once habituated to humans, dolphins can lose their natural wariness, a change that can be fatal. This is something we could already be seeing in Lyme Bay.
“They are also known to have become aggressive in cases and have attacked and injured people.”
The MMO is running an online community event to help educate the public about their visitor and keep it safe.
Jess continued: “We’re asking the local community to come together and learn more about their lone dolphin visitor, so they can become ambassadors and powerful advocates to aid its protection. We hope all who attend will feel empowered to spread awareness on our behalf and help ensure we keep both people and the dolphin safe.’’
It is an offence to disturb cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises and whales) under wildlife legislation and punishments can range from fines to time in prison.
Liz Sandeman who leads Marine Connection’s solitary, sociable dolphin project comments: “When lone dolphins start spending time closer to shore, unquestionably their behaviour does change within months.
“They quickly become accustomed to humans and boats, losing their instinctive fear and caution, which could potentially put them at greater risk.
“Solitary, sociable dolphins represent a unique behavioural group that requires focused conservation efforts, and this individual dolphin needs protection now more than ever.
“It is important that everyone is aware of the fact that disturbing dolphins is against the law, and that these are large, powerful, wild animals; for their safety as well as human safety (in addition to avoid disturbing their normal behaviour), it is recommended to remain/watch at a distance of at least 100m away.
“If approached by the dolphin, WDC would recommend staying calm and stationary if possible, and allowing it to move away of its own accord.”
The event will run on August 14 from 6-7pm.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) added: “To avoid disturbance and harm to cetaceans and other marine mammals, key take home messages are go slow, stay back and don’t chase.”