Dolphin sighting in Cork city sparks concern

FOR the second time in six weeks, dolphins have been spotted in the River Lee, drawing crowds but worrying experts.

Members of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group told photographer Cian O’Regan of their concern, saying that the four juvenile dolphins should not be this far out unaccompanied at low tide.

Dozens of people gathered near the Cork College of Commerce, at either side of the river, to watch them on Tuesday.

At least three dolphins were spotted in Sullivan’s Quay on October 15, where they remained for several hours before likely finding their way back to the ocean.

Colin Barnes, owner and operator of Cork Whale Watch, told The Echo that the dolphins are frequent enough visitors and are likely looking for one of three things in the River Lee: Trout, salmon, or mullet.

On the topic of why there was more frequent sightings in recent weeks, he suggested that “they might be hungrier than usual”.

“Fish stocks are badly damaged so they’ve been hunting further afield,” he added.

Nic Slocum, from Whale Watch West Cork, added: “There are basically three reasons you might see dolphins that far up the river.

“They may be chasing fish into the shallower water.

“As the tide recedes, they may just head out to deeper water and the open sea.”

Secondly, he suggested: “It could simply be that the animals become a little disorientated and simply get lost, but eventually find their way back out to sea.

“This area is not particularly associated with variations in the earth’s magnetic field that appear to be associated with some of the mass strandings one gets in the southern hemisphere, such as with the likes of pilot whales.

Finally, he said: “One of the group might be sick or dying, and other members of the group may follow the sick animal into shallower water, as the social bond between these animals is very strong.”

The dolphins were spotted in the river as late as 7pm on Tuesday, but there were no further sightings of them yesterday morning, meaning they most likely found their way back home.