Watch: Fishermen Untangle Distressed Dolphin Caught In Nylon Rope In Maltese Waters
Renowned biologist Alan Deidun has published a heartwarming video of fishermen untangling a dolphin after it was stuck in a cotton nylon rope in Maltese waters.
“A massive well done to the conscientious fishermen who released earlier today this dolphin from the entangled mass of nylon rope it had ended up in,” Deidun said. “Wildlife rescue in practice.”
Deidun told Lovin Malta that the dolphin had probably got caught up in a floating device that was used to catch other fish, such as fishermen. However, he said it is a positive sign that more and more fishermen are taking a proactive stance on wildlife rescue.
As mammals, dolphins have to surface for air but this becomes trickier when they get trapped in ropes or nets, especially when the rope is connected to other objects, such as the large white container in the video.
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The dolphins wrestle to get out of them, but the more they struggle, the worse it gets –some even damage their skin, tear fins, and break teeth, leading to infections.
It is highly likely that the dolphin would have drowned of exhaustion or starved were it not for the fisherman.
One of the fisherman, in the video posted by Deidun, skilfully unties the dolphin without causing any further damage. He holds on to the nylon rope and cuts it using a knife. The dolphin starts moving in a haphazard manner, consequently the fishermen holds onto the objects tangled into the nylon rope as not to further harm the dolphin in its frantic movement.
What should you do if you come across a dolphin trapped in a rope or net?
First, check if the animal is still living; this can be done by watching the blowhole for any signs of exhalation, if the dolphin is not moving. If it is still living, your next move should be extra gentle, and just like the fishermen in the video, stay away from its tail and face, for those are the two places which dolphins have the most strength.
If you think you do not have the skill to untangle the ropes, ask for help, or call a nearby wildlife rescue.
Nature Trust Malta has a wildlife rescue team, which is available during the day and occasionally during the night. You can contact them through their website or by calling 99999505 in case of emergency.
If a dolphin or any other sea animal is found dead, it is still vital to get rid of the body, for it might get in the way of boats, or even spread disease, in this case, the wildlife rescue may also be called.
Furthermore, the wildlife rescue can take the animal to a vet, if injured or ill, and rehabilitate it.
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