Dolphin struck by boat propeller as marine team warn of increase in disturbance ahead of Easter weekend - Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Marine Conservation Officers from Cornwall Wildlife Trust are shocked by the death of a dolphin in St Austell Bay which stranded with horrific injuries from a boat strike.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust is now urging people to behave responsibly and admire wildlife from a distance ahead of an influx of visitors to Cornwall’s shores expected this Easter weekend.
This morning (April 12), the Trust’s Marine Strandings Network hotline was alerted to a common dolphin at Porthpean Beach by a member of the public. Although a post-mortem of the dolphin is yet to be carried out, the network’s veterinary pathologist has confirmed the animal had suffered as a result of a boat strike, with the injuries likely to have caused its death.
Abby Crosby, marine conservation officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “Today’s devastating stranding of this incredible creature is exactly the reason why Cornwall Wildlife Trust, alongside a partnership of other organisations within the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Group, are asking people to take care on the water this Easter.”
Common dolphins are just one of the many species supported by Cornwall’s iconic coastline. Along with nesting seabirds, internationally rare Atlantic grey seals and basking sharks, Cornwall’s dolphins are increasingly suffering due to the increase of recreational and commercial users.
Research published by the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Group shows disturbance reports increase from February to August every year, with spikes in both July and August. This coincides with the peak visitor season in Cornwall, with more and more people wanting to enjoy Cornwall’s stunning coastline during the spring and summer months.
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Posted On: 12/04/2022