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The dolphins in Croatian coastal waters are highly endangered, as the small population now consists of less than 300 animals. If sick or stranded dolphins are found on the Adriatic coast, help is needed quickly to save the animals.
A new first aid guide from the Society for the Rescue of Dolphins (GRD) provides an overview of the most important emergency numbers in Croatia as well as basic instructions for action. It also explains how eyewitnesses of dolphin hunting scenes on the various tourist excursion boats should act.
Have you seen or found a sick/stranded dolphin?
- Report the find to the local police immediately or call 112 (general number of the control centre of Croatian organisations such as the police, fire brigade or rescue service).
- Enter the location as accurately as possible (preferably with coordinates)
- Do not touch the dolphin! Sick animals can also bite hard; there is also a risk of transmitting pathogens. Keep your own animals (e.g. dogs) away from the injured animal.
- Cover the animal with wet sheets or towels (including seaweed) or keep it moist by pouring sea water over it. Important: Marine mammals use the blowhole on their head to catch their breath. Under no circumstances should water or sand get in there.
Have you found a dead dolphin?
- Report the find to the local police immediately or call 112 (general number of the control centre of Croatian organisations such as the police, fire brigade or rescue service).
- Avoid contact and keep your own animals (e.g. dogs) away from the carcass.
Have you seen dolphins being chased by excursion boats, yachts, jet skis or zodiacs?
- Report your observations immediately to the local police or call 112 (general number of the control centre of Croatian organisations such as the police, fire brigade or rescue service).
- If possible, take photos and videos to document the misbehaviour for the police. Filming or photographing the boat's licence plate is also very important.
- Also send the pictures and videos to the Institute for Environmental Protection and Nature (pisarnica@haop.hr ).
Every single dolphin counts - which is why the Society for the Rescue of Dolphins (GRD) together with the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Zagreb and the Croatian marine conservation organisation VAL (Wave), has been campaigning vehemently for the protection and rescue of the last remaining Adriatic dolphins for over 20 years.
