Port River dolphin Star found dead, entangled by fishing line and hooks
Port River dolphin Star had 12 hooks in her throat and fishing line wrapped around her jaw when she was found dead this afternoon.
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A dolphin with fishing line and hooks lodged in her mouth has been found dead.
Port River dolphin Star was discovered dead in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary this afternoon.
Star had been suffering for about three weeks with heavy duty fishing line wrapped around her mouth and up to 12 hooks digging into her throat.
A rescue was planned for today with Aaron Machado from the Australian Marine Wildlife Research and Rescue Organisation, volunteers and dolphin sanctuary rangers all out looking for Star when her body was discovered near Barker Inlet.
Mr Machado said she likely only died the previous night.
Conservationist Marianna Boorman was out on the water today and said Star’s entanglement was due to fishermen using live bait to catch kingfish.
“It is vital that fishing practices are reviewed,” Ms Boorman said.
“Star’s entanglement was a result of fishermen using live fish and squid as bait.
“There are still several changes that need to happen for the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary to be a true sanctuary.”
Dolphin watcher Jenni Wyrsta said she was heartbroken by Star’s death and urged fishermen to bring their lines in when dolphins were around.
