PORT AUX BASQUES, N.L. — All but three of about 30 white-beaked dolphins that became trapped in ice off southwestern Newfoundland have died, federal fisheries officials said Monday.
A spokesman for the Fisheries and Oceans Department said officers visited the site in Cape Ray and found the carcasses, adding that the remaining dolphins appeared to be in poor condition.
We caution against rescue efforts by the public as they pose safety risks to the animals in distress and those attempting to help them
He said responding to such instances was not within the department’s mandate, but officers will monitor the situation.
“If DFO determines that a trained professional should attempt to assist a stranded marine animal, it is always undertaken with the utmost caution and with a full understanding of how the animals may respond when under stress,” he said.
“We caution against rescue efforts by the public as they pose safety risks to the animals in distress and those attempting to help them.”
“It is not uncommon for marine mammals such as dolphins, porpoises and beluga whales to be found swimming in ice in N.L. waters at this time of year,” Larry Vaters said in an email.
“Situations when marine animals become trapped in ice are very unfortunate, but do occur in the marine ecosystem [especially when ice conditions are extreme] and should be left to take their course in most circumstances.”
Vaters said high winds and whiteouts were making the conditions worse for the surviving mammals, adding that the unique geography and currents in the area form a natural trap for animals when there is heavy ice.
Leave a reply