Warning to boat owners after lone dolphin in Lyme Bay injured
Earlier this week Cornwall Wildlife Trust said it had received "shocking footage" from the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry crew which showed at least five dolphins with damaged dorsal fins, including two whose fins had been completely cut off.A spokesperson for the trust said a vet examined the injuries and said they had most likely been caused by high-speed watercraft or propellers.
The MMO said its event would help people understand solitary dolphin behaviour, the dangers of human contact and how they could help protect the wild visitor. One of the speakers, Liz Sandeman from Marine Connection, leads its solitary, sociable dolphin project.She said: "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."A speaker from Whale and Dolphin Conservation will also be at the event and the organisation advised boat owners: "To avoid disturbance and harm to cetaceans and other marine mammals, the key take-home messages are: Go slow – stay back – don't chase."
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