Surat Thani tries to help dolphin lost in local canal

Surat Thani tries to help dolphin lost in local canal

SURAT THANI, 7 June 2017 (NNT) – The governor of Surat Thani has expressed concern for a bottlenose dolphin believed to have accidently entered Khlong Bang It after avoiding high waves, fearing it may be in danger from fishing nets. 

Surat Thani Governor Uaychai Innak ordered relevant units to inspect Khlong Bang It after reports of a bottlenose dolphin were made by locals over the past few days. He noted concern that the animal may be under threat from fishing nets and inability to return to sea. 

Authorities from the Gulf of Thailand Marine Resource Research and Development Center, located in Chumphon province, led a contingent of officials and divers to the canal in search of the reportedly one meter long dolphin. Upon finding it, they spent almost one hour ushering it back to sea but were unable to, even after a repeated attempt later in the day. 

Authorities at the scene said the dolphin is mature and should be around 10 years old. It appears to be good in health and is only in the canal to avoid monsoon induced waves. The waterway has plentiful food for the mammal and it seems to be unperturbed by fishing boats, making it likely it commonly hunts near the coast. Its condition will be evaluated so that it can be helped.

 

-- nnt 2017-06-07