25 vessels harassing a pod of dolphins
July 2013. On Saturday 20th July, at approximately 3.30-4pm in the Camel Estuary, near the Port Hand buoy, off Daymer Bay and Trebetherick Point, reports were received of as many as 25 small vessels harassing a pod on Bottlenose dolphins. Very soon after, a carcass was reported to have been found at the scene. The death is believed to be as a result of the harassment.
There is a general appeal for information as it is believed that there were a number of private, commercial and sightseeing vessels in the area at that time. The Padstow sightseeing vessels are all trained in how to behave responsibly around wildlife and there is no insinuation that they are involved, however passengers may have been witness to the harassment by other vessels.
Serious wildlife crime
Harassment of dolphins is a serious wildlife crime under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The law states that it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass any dolphin, porpoise, whale or basking shark. A conviction carries the maximum sentence of £5000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Report
If you saw anything If you or anyone you know witnessed this incident or any others like it in other areas, please call 101 and ask to speak to a Devon and Cornwall Police Wildlife Crime Officer, quoting log reference 399 210713. Ideally, the Police need a description of the vessels (colour, registration, etc) involved and/or photos or video. Alternatively, please contact BDMLR.
Sea Shepherd and Dive Master Insurance have offered a combined reward of £2000 for any information that leads to a conviction.
Carcass
The carcass was unable to be recovered so if anyone finds it please report it immediately to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network on 0345 201 2626.
This is a joint appeal from British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
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