News / White sided dolphin dies in Bressay stranding
WILDLIFE professionals in Shetland are keeping a close watch on a pod of four or five white-sided dolphins after one of the animals appeared to get stuck between two rocks and died.
They were called to Bressay after the two metre long mammal was found stranded just south of the island’s marina on Tuesday.
Karen Hall of Scottish Natural Heritage’s Lerwick office said the remaining animals were in no immediate danger of stranding, but tended to “hang about” when one of their companions had died.
“White sided dolphins are well use to the deeper waters of the oceans. Because Shetland sits right at the edge of the Continental Shelf we see them quite regularly around our shores,” she said.
“The pod is in no immediate danger. As long as they stay out of the marina they should be well capable of leaving the area.”
Pete Bevington of Hillswick Wildlife Sanctuary added that the dead animal had not been put in a body bag and will be sent to Inverness to establish the cause of death
Meanwhile, a flotilla of smaller boats will try to encourage a lone pilot whale to leave Vidlin Voe later on Tuesday.
The mammal was discovered in the relatively narrow fjord-like inlet at Shetland’s north mainland on Monday.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 630 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.