Dead dolphin carcass found on Point Vernon beach in Fraser Coast

A dead baby dolphin that was found on a popular beach has caused an outpouring of emotion as the cause of the incident is hotly debated and authorities give their view.

A dead baby dolphin was found on a beach in Point Vernon, on the Fraser Coast, with its cause of death causing much debate online. Picture: Facebook

A dead baby dolphin that was found on a popular Fraser Coast beach has caused an outpouring of emotion online after pictures were posted to social media.

Images of the dolphin, still bloody from its injuries and with marks on its fin, were posted to a Fraser Coast Facebook group earlier today, September 9.

The post has already attracted more than 550 reactions and more than 70 comments.

The post’s author, Noela Dickinson, said that “sadly” the dolphin was found on Point Vernon beach with blood around its mouth, which she claimed appeared to be as a result of fishing.

“Also has many old cut marks on dorsal fin, likely caused by propellers,” she said.

A dead baby dolphin was found on a beach in Point Vernon. Picture: Facebook

“This cannot be avoided in open ocean but there are often motorised vessels in the bay between PV and Dundowran.

“This is a very shallow bay that young turtles and dolphins frequent at high tide.”

Ms Dickinson said that even at high tide the bay was shallow and boat propellers were a threat to marine life.

“A lot of boats travel slowly and in the channel where they’re more likely to avoid hitting marine life,” she said.

“But many do not, including jet skis roaring about in this area.

“Boaties please be mindful.”

A dead baby dolphin was found on a beach in Point Vernon, on the Fraser Coast, with its cause of death causing much debate online.

Many commenters reacted to the idea the blood around the dolphin’s mouth was due to fishing.

“I don’t think this was a fishing incident, there’s a wound behind the fin, they may have bled out of their mouth internally,” one said.

Another commenter said the incident was “sad … and so avoidable” while yet another said her heart was broken for a turtle yesterday and “shattered” today upon seeing the post.

A Department of Environment spokesman said marine park rangers had removed the animal, which would undergo a necropsy at the University of the Sunshine Coast.

“The juvenile humpback dolphin was reported to the department this morning,” he said.

“The 159cm animal was bleeding from the mouth but had no other recent visible injuries.”

The spokesman said marine animals could strand for reasons including illness or disease, boat strikes, as well as other natural causes such as predation.

“All marine mammal strandings should be immediately reported to the department on 1300 130 372,” he said.

Originally published as Dead dolphin carcass found on Point Vernon beach in Fraser Coast