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What we are doing to protect solitary dolphins
 Whilst the Marine Connection believes that there is much that can be learned from observing solitary dolphins or whales who frequent the same area over a period of time, it is vital that the safety of the animal is paramount and any issues which may pose a threat to its' welfare addressed.
The Marine Connection are part of the MARC (Marine Animal Rescue Coalition) Solitary Dolphin Working Group, working in association with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). We actively address issues on the protection of solitary wild cetaceans, specifically around the UK shores, and what can be done to offer them greater protection in both the short and long term.
A vital part of this programme is public outreach - to inform people who encounter solitary wild cetaceans on best practice when around the animal in question.
Solitary dolphins, exposed to long-term human contact, are at risk of injury from boat propellers, jet skis and even human swimmers who may, unknowingly by grabbing out for the animal, injure the dolphins' delicate skin or pass on infection. Likewise humans interacting with these animals expose themselves to many dangers, and the Marine Connection hopes that by working alongside local authorities in areas where these animals appear, to ensure maximum protection for both dolphin and humans.
It is understandable the excitement the appearance of a solitary cetacean causes to the local community however, activity around these animals has to be carefully monitored or it can result in driving the dolphin away from the area or in many cases, can prove fatal for the animal in question, as solitary animals lose their natural fear of humans and become exposed to danger.
Margaux Dodds, Director & Co-founder of the Marine Connection explains the need for concern: "No-one knows why these animals become solitary, or for how long - the danger is that they become habituated to human contact and may then become unable or unwilling to return to interact fully with their conspecifics or resume the daily life of a wild dolphin, therein lies the danger. If the public recognise these animals for what they are - wild dolphins, which deserve respect and need space, this gives the animal the opportunity to decide by its own preference whether to remain or leave, however that choice must be for the dolphin to make and not interfered with, albeit with good intentions, by humans wishing to get closer to the animal."
How you can help
The Marine Connection urge the following precautions if you encounter a wild cetacean;
- Watch from a safe distance - do not attempt to reach out or touch the animal. Wild cetaceans, if feeling threatened, have been known to butt, bite or tail-slap people
- Never attempt to feed a wild cetacean - to do so may expose it to digestive problems and disease and be part of the cetacean losing thier natural wariness of humans
- Do not harass the animal by attempting to get too close or attract its' attention, to do so is an offence and may lead to prosecution
- Boat owners please note; solitary dolphins are usually curious about propellers - and many have sustained serious injury as a result, so if in the vicinity, please do not made any sudden manoeuvres and if possible and safe to do so, stop the boat engine until you know the animal has moved a safe distance from the vessel. Marine Connection have worked with the WiSe scheme (Wildlife Safe Operators) to devise a code of conduct for responsible action around solitary dolphins.
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It is an offence to disturb or harm dolphins under Section 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA) as amended by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act and also Conservation (Natural Habitats, & c.) (Amendment) Regulations 2007. |
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If you think someone is acting inappropriately or irresponsibly near any whale or dolphin please contact your local police station immediately.
Any other concerns should be reported to the Marine Connection on : 020 7602 1574 and our colleagues at BDMLR on: 01825 765546 |
| HELP US KEEP SOLITARY DOLPHINS SAFE & WILD |
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