Last week Londoners were delighted with the sight of a dolphin swimming in the River Thames in west London. Speaking about the incident, Mary Tester, Thames area coordinator with the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) said while this was not the first time a dolphin has entered the Thames, it was rare to see it so far inland near London. While it may be a fantastic sight, rescuers feel otherwise and are warning people to stay away from the mammal.
A Rare Sighting
The dolphin that was spotted swimming between the Hammersmith and Putney bridges last Thursday evening was nicknamed Jo Jo. It wasn’t the first time a dolphin was spotted so far upstream; Tester reported how dolphins had been spotted swimming in the Thames estuary close to the North Sea, but “when the dolphins go into London, that’s something else”.
The Role of Water Quality in Dolphin Sightings
There are various theories regarding why dolphins are coming down the river. Improved water quality in the Thames over recent years has increased the level of fish, which may attract dolphins. However, the noise and the bends and turns of the river could negatively impact the dolphins’ echolocation.
Previous Dolphin Sightings and Outcomes
Ms Tester mentioned that previous dolphins spotted in the Thames had died. However, she is hopeful that a recent sighting in Gravesend, Kent, indicates Jo Jo’s return to the estuary. She also advised that if members of the public spot a dolphin in the River Thames or any inland waterway, they should alert the BDMLR and avoid following it in boats or canoes. This precaution helps ensure the safety and well-being of the dolphin.
Importance of Monitoring and Research
The BDMLR continues to monitor and research the behaviour of dolphins in the Thames. Understanding why these dolphins venture into the London stretch is crucial for their conservation and protection. Public cooperation in reporting sightings plays a vital role in these efforts. According to Julia Cable, operations director at British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), Jo Jo was not showing any behavioural changes that could suggest it was uncomfortable. This is why, now, no further action can be taken except monitoring it.
Why You Need to Stay Away from The Dolphin
Cable mentioned why it was vital for humans to stay away from Jo Jo. If people begin following the dolphin in canoes or attracting it with food, it could harm the survival of the animal. Dolphins are used to open water, with too many humans following it, accompanied by the noise on the river, could end up confusing the dolphins.
Earlier Sighting
In February 2024, three dolphins were spotted by Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) volunteers in Northfleet. The volunteers waited for the pod to pass before returning their lifeboat to its station in Gravesend. In July 2024, three dolphins were washed ashore in Orkney but were rescued and released by the BDMLR with help from locals.
Jo Jo Might Have Returned
Jo Jo was last spotted swimming towards Chelsea, after which there was no sight of him, but there has been a dolphin sighting in Gravesend, Kent, which meant Jo Jo had returned to the estuary. While it is yet to be confirmed if the dolphin is indeed Jo Jo, rescuers are hopeful the dolphin will find its way back, provided human interaction is avoided. Dolphins spotted in the Thames had earlier died which is why care needs to be taken concerning Jo Jo. Tester reiterated that if people spot Jo Jo, he should not be followed in boats or canoes for his own safety.
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