Concerned marine experts issue desperate plea to Dorset beachgoers over Reggie the dancing dolphin
The solitary bottlenose dolphin, believed to be a young male, went viral after footage emerged of it excitedly playing with a family and asking for belly rubs in Lyme Bay, Dorset, earlier this month.
The Daily Mail understands that the mammal, officially named as Reggie, arrived on its own in Lyme Bay in February, sparking concern from marine experts as dolphins usually travel together in pods.
The dolphin has become a frequent sight in Lyme Bay, but in July it suffered a nasty gash which is believed to have been caused by a boat propellor.
Footage then emerged of the creature leaping vertically out of the water before swimming in and around Lynda MacDonald, 50, her partner, her son and his girlfriend on August 3.
Mrs MacDonald previously described it as a 'magical moment', adding: 'It was not distressed by our presence and was very confident around us. I've seen a dolphin before, but this is something I'll remember forever.'
But the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), a government quango, last night held an emergency online event to help people understand solitary dolphin behaviour, the dangers of human contact and how they could help protect the mammal.
The Mail can reveal that one of the speakers, Liz Sandeman, co-founder of the Marine Connection Charity, warned: 'This is the worst case of a dolphin becoming rapidly habituated to close human interaction in 20 years in the UK, with risks to the safety of the dolphin and people in the water with him likely increasing over time.'
The MMO has issued a similarly stark warning, telling the Mail the dolphin could already be habituated to humans - a change that 'can be fatal'.
Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation (wildlife) at MMO, said: '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 dolphin is believed to have arrived in February but from May, the MMO directly observed people intentionally approaching the mammal too closely.
Experts and cetacean charities have agreed collectively to name the dolphin Reggie, the Mail can reveal.
Describing the video of her family playing with the dolphin, Mrs MacDonald previously said: 'Out of nowhere, the dolphin immediately approached us and wanted to join in on the action.
'It was friendly and playful. It even started guiding members of our group along the water with its beak.'
Bottlenose dolphins are native to Britain and there are estimated to be 700 around the coast, usually swimming in pods. They reach up to 13ft in length and can weigh up to 650kg.
Dolphins, along with whales and other porpoises, are protected by law under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and approaching or recklessly disturbing a dolphin can result in up to six months in prison as well as an unlimited fine.
Marine Management Organisation have shared concerns for the safety of the sea creatures and urged tourists to stay away from the animals in a recent Facebook post
Lucy Babey, director of programmes for UK marine conservation charity ORCA, told the Mail that although dolphins may elicit fun and excitement on the surface, they pose a big risk to humans.
She said: 'They are powerful marine mammals and have been known to seriously injure people, even if unintentionally through a thrash of the tail or butting people with their beak.
'In some case the dolphins behaviour has escalated, become erratic and more serious injuries have occurred. There have been incidents around the world where the dolphins behaviour has escalated to harassment and people have unfortunately been killed.
'Unfortunately these dolphins can become habituated through prolonged human interactions which increases the risk of injury and brings about welfare concerns for the animal. There are several cases where the dolphins sought out boats, associating them with humans, but sadly resulting in propellor injuries and death.'
It follows further reports of injured dolphins in the West Country.
Just last week, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust said it had received 'shocking footage' which showed several dolphins injured by the Mevagissey to Fowey ferry.
The charity revealed that at least five dolphins had been injured, with at least three suffering from damaged dorsal fins, and two which had them completely cut off.
The marine life charity revealed that it has been receiving an increasing number of reports of injured dolphins and whales and urged boat owners to be more careful when sailing near pods.
And it is not only boating expeditions that can harm dolphins.
There are increased concerns that tourists feeding the sea creatures could harm them.
MMO has warned holidaymakers not to give dolphins any animal food which might kill it.
The government website states that while encountering a wild dolphin can be a 'special experience', it is essential to behave respectfully and not to place the animal at risk.
According to Dorset Wildlife Trust, 28 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises are recorded along the UK coastline - a number of these have been recorded in Dorset.
Bottlenose dolphins tend to spend more time inshore than other species, making them easier to spot from the land as well as from the sea.
They are regularly seen off the coast of the UK, especially in Moray Firth, Scotland, Cardigan Bay, Wales, and off the coasts of Cornwall and Northumberland.
A spokesperson for the Marine Management Organisation said: 'We're increasingly concerned about a lone dolphin spotted in Lyme Bay, Dorset, following multiple potential marine wildlife disturbance offences observed online and shared on social media.
'Dolphins may seem friendly, but they are wild animals. The dolphin in Lyme Bay has already been injured by a suspected boat propeller.
'Please remember: Never swim with, touch, feed, or approach dolphins. If a dolphin approaches you, calmly leave the area.
'Human interaction can cause dolphins to lose their natural wariness, leading to injury or even death. Disturbed dolphins are also known to become aggressive toward people.
'Let's protect them by keeping our distance and please share this message to respect their space.'
In a message to boat owner, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation said: 'To avoid disturbance and harm to cetaceans and other marine mammals, the key take-home messages are: Go slow – stay back – don't chase.'
Tips for when encountering a dolphin
The Marine Wildlife Disturbance has issued the following guidance:
Slow down and keep speed below six knots (no-wake speed).
Stay at least 100 metres away and slowly move further away if you notice signs of disturbance.
Keep your distance if there are already more than two boats or watercraft in the vicinity.
Never encircle or chase animals.
Never try to swim with, touch or feed them.
Sometimes dolphins may choose to approach you, in this situation you should maintain a steady speed and direction and let the animals leave when they choose.
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