Dolphin spending time in north Mayo docks is being monitored
Mayo IWDG volunteers are monitoring a common dolphin which has been at Belmullet Docks since August 23.
A report issued by the organisation stated: "So far all seems well, its breathing rate of 2-5 breaths a minute is normal, it is staying in the deepest area of the docks during low tides and was seen surfacing with a fish in its mouth on one occasion.
"It’s in good body condition with no visible dip behind its blowhole, which is one of the indicators it is of a good body weight.
"Commons are a pelagic dolphin species, used to deep open water, and so haven’t learned our coastline like the coastal Bottlenose dolphins have.
"Commons do sometimes make navigational mistakes and find themselves in river systems, shallow tidal areas or being left behind on gentle sloping beaches like Tarmon, Blacksod, when the tide goes out.
"They use their echolocation to hunt and navigate by creating a three dimensional picture using sound. This is how they can still hunt and navigate easily through murky waters and darkness.
"However, in this case, the shallow muddy flats and channel to Broadhaven Bay may just need the higher spring tides to build up a clearer picture of the route out.
"This isn’t the first time common dolphins have spent some time in Belmullet docks.
"Some make it out again and some take wrong turns and perish on the inaccessible mud flats.
"The mud surrounding the banks of this area is treacherous for both people and dolphins and has, unfortunately, even claimed some cows in recent years.
"A brief gentle attempt was made to see if the dolphin could be encouraged towards the channel to Broadhaven Bay but it quickly outsmarted us and had no interest in being directed, so we just left it be.
"Thanks to Peter, Brandon, Gavin, Jack, Mickey and Luke for their assistance with this.
"Perhaps fishing is just too good to leave at the moment for the dolphin. Spring tides are on the way very shortly, so hopefully this dolphin will head out by itself to rejoin other common dolphins.
"You can easily see the common dolphin from the docks, if you want a closer look use binoculars and please do not attempt to swim with the dolphin or follow it around in the water.
"It could be easily stressed if it feel corralled which could cause it to swim over the mudflats and be left there as the tide retreats.
"There is a great team of trained IWDG responders in the area due to the Mullet Peninsula, Tarmon in particular being a live stranding hotspot for common dolphins.
"If you do see a live stranded dolphin anywhere, please call the IWDG live stranding hotline on 097 28118.
"If you would like to support the work of your local IWDG volunteer responders please consider donating a little to their fundraiser for additional equipment and PPE."
https://gofund.me/cdf29373
📷 Monika Regeciova, Gemma O'Connor