Warnings after dolphin is killed in boat propeller strike in Cornwall
WARNING: You may find photos in this article upsetting
Last updated 14th Apr 2022
A dolphin has died after being struck by a boat propeller in Cornwall.
Marine Conservation Officers from Cornwall Wildlife Trust say they are shocked by the death of the dolphin in St Austell Bay which stranded with horrific injuries from a boat strike.
The wildlife charity is now 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.
On Tuesday morning, the Trust’s Marine Strandings Network hotline was alerted to a common dolphin at Porthpean Beach by a member of the public. Although a post-mortem of the dolphin 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.”
Common dolphins are just one of the many species supported by Cornwall’s iconic 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.
The coalition of organisations also found locations associated with harbours and access points for private leisure boats, such as Newquay, Falmouth and St Ives, to be the biggest hotspots for whale and dolphin disturbance.
Marine disturbance, along with bycatch and noise pollution, are the three biggest threats to the survival of Cornwall’s dolphins and porpoises. Disturbance and harassment can cause severe distress and at worst can lead to serious injuries, amputations and death. Whether intentional or not, incidents of disturbance or harassment of whales or dolphins is an offence under UK law, with fines of up to £5,000.
Abby continues: “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. Please think about your actions when you are by, on or in the sea this Easter. Put wildlife first and be a part of the solution for conserving these special animals for generations to come.”
Cornwall Wildlife Trust, alongside the Cornwall Marine and Coastal Code Group, have set up a 24-hour marine disturbance hotline and urges anyone who witnesses an incident of marine disturbance to report it immediately (with any photographs or videos of the incident) to 0345 201 2626. A Coastal Code of Conduct can also be found at www.cornwallmarinelifecode.org.uk, which provides information for water users to lessen their impact on the wildlife they spot.
To donate to Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s ‘Dolphin and Porpoise Appeal’ today, please visit www.cornwallwildlifetrust.org.uk/dolphinappeal