A dolphin has been found dead on the bank of the River Thames in southwest London, just days after a dolphin was seen swimming in the river between Hammersmith Bridge and Putney Bridge on Tuesday.
Discovery and Identification
The mammal, confirmed as an adult male short-beaked common dolphin, was seen lying on the foreshore at Mortlake in Richmond on Thursday, according to the Port of London Authority (PLA). The Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP), which coordinates investigations of cetaceans, marine turtles, and basking sharks that strand around the English coastline, attended the scene. Representatives from British Divers Marine Life Rescue, dedicated to rescuing marine animals in distress around the UK, also attended.
Unconfirmed Link to Previous Sighting
It has not been officially confirmed if the dead dolphin was the same one seen earlier in the week. Rob Deaville, a project manager for CSIP, noted that this dolphin had travelled the furthest west up the River Thames for a common dolphin. He said that common dolphin deaths have rarely been reported within the southern North Sea in the past 35 years, but reports have increased, with the "reasonable assumption" that it is due to climate change.
Condition and Post-Mortem
Mr. Deaville told the BBC: "Historically the North Sea was an alien habitat for this species." He added that the animal showed signs of skin damage from fresh water, and appeared "skinny" and "not in the best condition." A post-mortem examination will take place on Friday.
Response from Authorities
A PLA spokesperson said: "Unfortunately, when dolphins are sighted this far up the Thames it can often indicate they are already in distress." They added: "British Divers Marine Life Rescue have been monitoring the situation and we are working with them, Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme and other partners to carefully recover the animal and establish what may have happened."
