The dolphin calf. Picture courtesy Mandurah Dolphin Watch.
Camera IconThe dolphin calf. Picture courtesy Mandurah Dolphin Watch. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Mandurah: dolphin calf entangled in cord and fishing line

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

DEPARTMENT of Parks and Wildlife (DPaW) confirmed this morning a dolphin calf is entangled in cord and fishing line in the Mandurah Estuary.

A DPaW spokeswoman asked people in boats not to approach the entangled dolphin calf as this could impact on the dolphin’s rescue.

A member of the public posted a photo of the dolphin to the Estuary Guardians Mandurah Facebook page.

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“It was reported to us on Friday,” the DPaW spokeswoman said.

“The department is providing advice and support to experienced registered volunteers who are monitoring the calf and working towards disentangling it.”

The job of helping the dolphin will fall to Mandurah Dolphin Rescue.

They will attempt to get the dolphin into an area where it can be controlled and can then reach across and try to disentangle the dolphin with a knife.

This is a job only experienced rescuers can do.

The other way they can try to disentangle the dolphin is to get it in a sling, but that usually only happens if the dolphin has beached itself.

Mandurah residents do not need to report the dolphin’s location to DPaW.

However, the spokeswoman encouraged them to call if they spot any other injured wildlife.

For DPaW call 9334 0292 or 9219 9840 or after hours on 9334 0224, for WILDCARE (24-hours) call 9474 9055 and for the Mandurah Rangers call 9550 3630.