Federal fisheries officers are in Dildo today trying to move dolphins trapped in a small and shallow pool of water in Dildo Cove.
One resident who has been in the area since 7:00 this morning says they rescue three and are taking them to Placentia Bay.
Submitted Video pic.twitter.com/fFPQ91YBrg
— VOCM News (@VOCMNEWS) March 30, 2023
Ice moved into the harbor overnight, forcing the animals in closer to the beach. The dolphins have been unable to get out to deeper water.
Meanwhile, Whitbourne RCMP is asking residents to avoid the area of Main Street in Dildo while rescue efforts are underway by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. They say traffic congestion in the area is interfering with current efforts.
⚠️ Whitbourne RCMP asks motorists and residents to avoid the area of Main Street in Dildo while efforts to rescue a pod of dolphins are underway by Fisheries and Oceans Canada. Traffic congestion in the area is interfering with current efforts. ⚠️ pic.twitter.com/QIvz6eKk2T
— RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador (@RCMPNL) March 30, 2023
Earlier Story:
A pod of dolphins, herded almost on top of each other, is trapped in Dildo Cove after ice moved into the harbour overnight, giving the animals a small area between the edge of the icepack and the beach in which to swim.
It has been a devastating year for dolphins in one of the heaviest ice seasons in years.
(Dolphins in Dildo Cove before the ice moved in. March 29, 2023. Submitted by Marilyn Crotty.)
People haver looked on helplessly in various coves and inlets as the mammals expired.
DFO is on scene assessing the situation and may try to move the dolphins to another bay.
