Dolphin killed in collision with boat
MARINE conservationists say they are shocked by the death of a dolphin left stranded with horrific injuries, following a boat strike.
Following the incident in St Austell Bay, marine conservation officers from Cornwall Wildlife Trust are 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.
Yesterday, the trust’s marine strandings network hot-line was alerted to a common dolphin at Porthpean Beach by a member of the public.
Although a post-mortem 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.
“Wildlife disturbance by sea users, whether a boat, jet ski, kayak or even a SUP, has become one of the greatest threats to our marine and coastal wildlife and it has to stop. What is more – we all have the ability to stop it by changing our behaviour at sea and we need to do so urgently.”
She went on: “Today is a sad day, but from it I hope we can get people’s attention and bring about change for a more positive future for these creatures.
Common dolphins are one of the many species found along Cornwall’s 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.