07-08-2025
'It's a crime to disturb them': Warning as 'severely' injured dolphins found around Cornish coast
Watch the full interview with Jenny Wright from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust
An increasing number of injured dolphins have been found around the Cornish coast, prompting a warning from the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
The mammals have been found primarily with injured dorsal fins, likely to be the result of propellors from high-speed boats. A number of mammals have been found in a "severe" condition, their fins missing entirely.
The trust is urging all water users to slow down and follow the marine and coastal code.
Coastal partnership officer Jenny Wright spoke to ITV News West Country, warning that whales and dolphins are protected by law.
Pod spotted by ferry a "stark reminder of the damage reckless boating can cause"
Pictures from Mevagissey to Fowey Ferry Crew
Jenny said: "Five common dolphins were seen off the Mevagissey and Fowey ferry, and there were some serious injuries to their dorsal fins.
"A couple of them even had their dorsal fin missing entirely. That is obviously not a great thing for dolphins because they use those dorsal fins for balance, and to help them kind of swim through the water, so it will be impacting how they're living their lives and it will be adding stress to how they live their lives.
"We can't say for sure how they're doing exactly. We do hope that they will be doing all right, but it can affect their survivability as well."
"Be careful with boats and propellers"
Jenny added: "We hope that the majority [of these injuries] are accidental and that people just maybe aren't aware of best practice and how they should be using their boats in the water.
"I couldn't say for sure whether any of them are doing it recklessly and on purpose, but we do have lots of best practice, things that people can find out on the Cornwall Wildlife Trust website.
"There, people can see how to use their boats respectfully when they're around wildlife as well."
If you spot marine wildlife, you must:
Slow down to a no-wake speed
Stay at least 100m away
What should you do if you find an injured dolphin?
The Cornwall Wildlife Trust encourages people to report marine disturbance, specifically relating to mammals, to its 24-hour disturbance hotline, on 0345 201 2626.
This number can also be used for reporting sightings and strandings of marine animals.
The trust also has a marine and coastal code group that has lots of relevant contact details.
The trust reminds people that it's a crime to disturb whales and dolphins, so anyone who sees anything happening at sea should contact Devon and Cornwall Police.
