Deceased Dolphin Found in Nea Iraklia, Halkidiki

On Tuesday, August 6th, an adult dolphin was found deceased on the shore of Nea Iraklia, Halkidiki. Environmental organization “Arion” reported the discovery.

The Port Authority of Thessaloniki was alerted about the stranded dolphin on Tuesday morning. Mr. Andreas Nasioudis shifted the lifeless dolphin, which had floated into the beach, to the shore.

External Injuries and Cause of Death

The footage and particulars supplied by the Port Authority’s Thessaloniki-Michaniona unit indicated that the deceased dolphin was a mature, female common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). It had a visible external injury behind its right pectoral fin, likely sustained from a sharp object and the suspected cause of death.

There was a rope tied around the caudal fin.

Common dolphins, which are at risk of extinction, are marine mammals that primarily reside in pelagic zones and are visible across the North Aegean Sea. They may venture close to fishing boats, fish farms, or places where they can get food due to a lack of sustenance.

Human Impact and Conservation

“We must recognize that dolphins pose no threat to us and that their home is the marine environment, which humans occasionally visit,” Arion emphasized.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges marine life faces and the urgent need for conservation efforts. It serves as a solemn reminder of the delicate balance between human activities and the well-being of our oceans and their inhabitants.

To ensure a harmonious coexistence, it is crucial to minimize human-induced hazards such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction.

We have a collective responsibility to safeguard the marine environment and its biodiversity, protecting species like dolphins for future generations.