Too dangerous to rescue entangled dolphin, rangers say.

Conservationists fear an injured dolphin won’t survive without intervention, however, rangers say it is too dangerous to attempt a rescue.

Port River dolphin Star has hooks and fishing line wrapped around her mouth. Picture: Marianna Boorman

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Rangers in the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary say a dolphin entangled in fishing line cannot be rescued while she is swimming in deep water.

However, conservationists fear without intervention, that the dolphin, named Star, will die.

The Messenger revealed yesterday that Star has heavy duty fishing line and hooks tightly wrapped around her mouth cutting into her.

Marine Parks co-ordinator Jon Emmett said rangers went out and took underwater photos of Star yesterday.

He said she was “in poor condition” but he believed she was still able to eat.

“Unfortunately, any attempt to catch the dolphin to try and disentangle it is not possible at this stage, as the dolphin’s movements are unpredictable and it prefers deep water,” Mr Emmett said.

Port River dolphin Star has hooks and fishing line wrapped around her mouth. Picture: Marianna Boorman

“The rescue would need to be done in shallow water, because trying to net the animal in deep water could lead to the risk of the dolphin drowning and put staff at risk.

“The photos suggest (Star) may have shed some of the large entanglement seen on the weekend, however there is still a length of fishing line trailing from (her) mouth.”

Mr Emmett said live-baited hooks were a risk for dolphins, as the moving bait is highly attractive and may lead them to try and swallow both bait and hook.

Port River dolphins Marianna, Star and Bubbles in happier times. Picture: Marianna Boorman

Dolphin conservationist Marianna Boorman said she understood there were considerable logistics involved in organising a rescue but she was afraid Star may not survive without intervention.

“I’m very disappointed a rescue is not going ahead at the moment,” Ms Boorman said.

“I am very concerned about Star.

“Hopefully she will continue to spend more time in shallow areas and something can be done to help her soon.”

Ms Boorman urged anyone out fishing to reel their lines in if dolphins were nearby and to dispose of their rubbish properly.

Dolphin Squeak with fishing line tangled around his mouth earlier this year. Picture: Jenni Wyrsta

Star is the second dolphin this year to suffer as a result of becoming entangled in fishing line after a calf, Squeak, had to be freed in a 24-person operation in April.

Rangers will continue to monitor Star’s condition and movements over the next few days.