Plea to tourists not to harass dolphins after mum and baby killed
Its thought pair died when separated as people tried to get a closer look off Pembrokeshire
Last updated 27th Jul 2021
A mum and baby dolphin have been killed off Pembrokeshire following fears they were chased by pleasure boat rides.
Wildlife campaigners have now issued a plea to tourists to keep their distance from the creatures while out on the water.
Fears have been raised that the mother and baby were separated by boat rides as families tried to get a closer look.
It comes after marine biologist Chris Pierpoint reported an adult common dolphin had died in Fishguard Bay, Pembrokeshire.
And just one day later a baby dolphin was found washed up just a mile away on Goodwick Parrog beach.
Trying to find her baby
The animals showed no signs of injury and wildlife officers believe the mum had been been trying to find her baby after being split up.
Cliff Benson, managing director of the Sea Trust, said:
"The good weather has produced a lot of pleasure boat traffic.
"We fear someone saw the dolphins and chased them to get better views or photos, causing them to get separated.
"Ultimately this may have caused the death of this baby dolphin."
Keep your distance
"If you see dolphins from your boat, please keep a good distance and continue in a straight line.
"If the dolphins decide to come to you fine but please don’t chase them. That is against the law and you could be liable to a heavy fine or even prison. If we see people harassing dolphins, we will report them to the police.
"We want people to be able to enjoy our marine wildlife but we also want people to care for and protect it so we don’t have to pick up more dead babies."