The public has been advised to keep their distance from an injured bottlenose dolphin, nicknamed 'Reggie', seen interacting with swimmers off the Dorset coast. The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) expressed growing concern after footage of the encounter circulated on social media, highlighting potential wildlife disturbance offences.
Viral video from early August showed the dolphin, bearing a gash beneath its dorsal fin, playfully engaging with a family in Lyme Bay. While the interaction appeared harmless, the MMO stressed that such encounters can harm dolphins, leading to injury, death, or aggression.
The agency warned: 'Never swim with, touch, feed, or approach dolphins. If a dolphin approaches you, calmly leave the area.' Human contact can cause dolphins to lose their natural wariness, increasing risks of injury from boat propellers—suspected in Reggie's case—or aggressive behaviour towards people.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) echoed the warning, advising those encountering dolphins to maintain a safe distance, leave after about 15 minutes, and ensure no more than two boats are within 300 metres of a group. Disturbances can also stem from jetskis and motorboats.
UK waters host 28 species of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, including about 700 bottlenose dolphins. Regular sightings off the British coast increase the potential for harmful human interactions, underscoring the need for caution.
