Amateur fishers reminded to give dolphins a chance

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
Recreational fishers have been reminded to check their nets regularly for bycatch after a grisly find at Eaglehawk Neck earlier this week. A young dolphin with its tail severed and other injuries that appeared consistent with net entanglement was discovered on the Tessellated Pavement and reported to the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment.
DPIPWE wildlife biologist Rachael Alderman said fishers need to be aware of the potential for marine mammals and seabirds to become entangled in unattended nets.
“The accidental death of penguins, dolphins, shearwaters and cormorants in fishing gear is a concern but this bycatch can be minimised by checking nets regularly or by not leaving them unattended,” Dr Alderman said.
“It is also advisable not to set nets if dolphins are seen in the area.
“It they do become entangled, fishers can call DPIPWE’s Whale Hotline on 0427 WHALES (0427 942 537) and we may be able to assist.”
Dr Alderman said the dolphin found at Eaglehawk Neck was most likely caught in fishing gear and had drowned. Its tail appeared to have been cut off to disentangle it.
“There are several marks around the tail stock that are consistent with entanglement,” she said.