Water Sport Australia: Jetskiers accused of killing dolphins

Water Sport Australia: Jetskiers accused of killing dolphins

Jetskiers might be responsible for the death of two dolphins on Two Rocks beach
By: Oliver Koester
February 13, 2006
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AFTER two dead dolphins, a female dolphin and its baby, were washed ashore with visible wounds, Two Rock residents claim jetskiers are responsible for the deaths.

Martina Thomas, president of the Two Rocks-Yanchep environmental group, stated that Two Rock beach residents were sickened by the incidents. People who saw the dolphins play shouted warnings to the jetskiers, but were ignored, she said. Everybodywho by pure chance oversaw the incident is understandably enraged, she explained.

The female dolphin was found dead with visible wounds on the Two Rock beach two days later and was buried on the beach. The baby hab been washed back to the sea. Ms Thomas said the jetskiers were not being careful and there was no law to protect the dolphins. Local residents are fighting for jetski restrictions to be put in place.

According to a CALM spokeswoman it is not confirmed that the dolphins had been killed by jetskies. People enjoying the water needed to remember it was home to wildlife and to take special care, said RSPCA spokeswoman Emma-Jane Morcombe.


Resource: The Sunday Times - January 29, 2006