Horrifying footage of mutilated dolphins believed to have been injured by boats has sparked warnings from wildlife experts.
At least five of the animals had damaged dorsal fins.
Three had parts missing and two others had them completely cut off.
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The distressing images were shot from a ferry off Mevagissey, Cornwall, on Sunday (3 Aug).
James Barnett, veterinary pathologist from Cornwall marine pathology team, said that the injuries were probably caused by impact from high-speed watercraft or propellers, as reported by Need To Know.
A spokesperson for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said it recently received multiple reports of boats going straight through dolphin pods.
It is illegal in the UK to intentionally or recklessly kill, injure, or disturb whales, dolphins, and porpoises under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Rebecca Allen, Marine Conservation Officer at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, said: “Over the last 10 years we’ve had increased numbers of common dolphins in our Cornish inshore waters.
“While this can lead to spectacular encounters for us, it also brings them into our very busy coastal waterways.
“We urge water users to please keep at a sensible speed and follow Government guidelines if they do see marine animals: reduce to slow, ‘no-wake’ speed and keep to a safe distance – at least 100m away.
“Over the past decade coastal waters in the UK have become significantly busier with recreational boats, a trend that accelerated dramatically after the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The increased activity in the water, alongside a notable rise in the number of dolphins around thet coast elevates the risk of negative encounters and harm being caused to the animals.”
