Nature & Wildlife | Posted on August 20th, 2025 | return to news

Public warning after Lyme Bay dolphin spotted with injury

A lone dolphin has been delighting visitors to Lyme Regis Harbour this summer, but there are signs it has been injured by careless humans.

A lone dolphin, which has been delighting visitors to Lyme Regis Harbour this summer, has been spotted with an injury, likely the result of careless humans getting too close to the animal.

The Marine Management Organisation (MMO) raised concerns in July after the Lyme Bay dolphin was observed with the wound, likely caused by a boat propeller.

Over recent months, the MMO has been working closely with local stakeholders to raise awareness around responsible behaviour near marine wildlife and the risks of human-dolphin interactions.

The organisation said its efforts have had an encouraging response, with growing interest and concern from the community.

The MMO warns that while the dolphin is a delight for both visitors and locals in Lyme Bay, the animal and the people trying to engage with it are being put at serious risk as people are getting physically too close to the dolphin.

Jess Churchill-Bissett, head of marine conservation (wildlife) at MMO, said: “Dolphins are protected and their need for rest, food, and space is essential to their survival.

“Repeated human interaction inevitably disrupt their natural behaviours, increasing stress and potentially altering their temperament. Once habituated to humans, dolphins can lose their natural wariness, a change that can be fatal. This is something we could already be seeing in Lyme Bay.

“They are also known to have become aggressive in cases and have attacked and injured people.

“For these reasons, we’re asking the local community to come together and learn more about their lone dolphin visitor, so they can become ambassadors and powerful advocates to aid its protection. We hope all who attend will feel empowered to spread awareness on our behalf and help ensure we keep both people and the dolphin safe.’’

Liz Sandeman who leads Marine Connection’s solitary, sociable dolphin project, added: “When lone dolphins start spending time closer to shore, unquestionably their behaviour does change within months. They quickly become accustomed to humans and boats, losing their instinctive fear and caution, which could potentially put them at greater risk. Solitary, sociable dolphins represent a unique behavioural group that requires focused conservation efforts, and this individual dolphin needs protection now more than ever.

“It is important that everyone is aware of the fact that disturbing dolphins is against the law, and that these are large, powerful, wild animals; for their safety as well as human safety (in addition to avoid disturbing their normal behaviour), it is recommended to remain/watch at a distance of at least 100m away. If approached by the dolphin, Whale and Dolphin Conservation would recommend staying calm and stationary if possible, and allowing it to move away of its own accord.”

A key message for the public is: Go slow – Stay back – Don’t chase.