The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) has issued a warning urging the public to keep away from an injured bottlenose dolphin spotted off the coast of Dorset. The dolphin, nicknamed Reggie, was filmed last week interacting with a family of swimmers in Lyme Bay, sparking concerns over potential harm to the animal.
Footage posted on social media shows the dolphin playfully engaging with Lynda MacDonald, her partner, son and his girlfriend. The dolphin appeared to have a gash on its right side, believed to have been caused by a boat propeller. Conservationists have warned that such human interactions can be dangerous for both the animals and people.
The MMO stated that human contact can cause dolphins to lose their natural wariness, leading to injury, stress or even death. They emphasised that dolphins are wild animals and should never be approached, touched or fed. If a dolphin approaches, the public should calmly leave the area.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) recommends keeping a safe distance from dolphins, leaving after about 15 minutes, and ensuring no more than two boats are within 300 metres of a group. There are approximately 700 bottlenose dolphins in UK waters, and they are often encountered near the coast. The MMO is urging the public to respect the animal's space to prevent further harm.
