WATCH: Dolphins found dead on Jersey beaches

Saturday 31 October 2020

Two dolphins were found dead on Jersey beaches yesterday - one of which appeared to have fishing rope around its tail.

One, a common dolphin, was found at St. Aubin Bay between the Kiosk and Old Station Café at around 07:00 by islander Clara Sarró on her dog walk.

Video: One dolphin was found at 07:00 yesterday morning between The Kiosk and Old Station Cafe. (Clara Sarró)

Describing the scene, she said that the back fin of the dolphin was wrapped tightly in rope and the dolphin was far in by the wall.

She called the emergency services to come and collect it, later posting an image on Facebook alongside a warning on the dangers of ocean pollution.

A second common dolphin was also found at El Tico.

Pictured: A deceased dolphin at El Tico was one of two washed up on Jersey's beaches today. (Donna De Gruchy)

British Divers Marine Life Rescue coordinator, Donna De Gruchy, said that the cause of death for both was likely linked to fishing.

On the former catch, she explained to Express: “It’s the season where with the storms the deceased dolphins start to wash up on our shores. Unfortunately, this dolphin is an example of bycatch. 

“The dolphin would have drowned in a large fishing net and been hauled aboard a large fishing trawler. The dead dolphin is then discarded over board using rope around its tail."