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Bottlenose dolphins trapped near Bunratty Castle, Co Clare
Three Bottlenose dolphins have become apparently trapped in the intertidal reaches of the Ratty River at Bunratty, Co. Clare. This has allowed a rare opportunity for the public to view dolphins up close, and crowds of people have gathered at the bridge in Bunratty this week. The dolphins have apparently become stranded upstream of the series of bridges on the Ratty River and have not left this stretch of the river since first observed last Sunday.
According to the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) the small group includes two adults and possibly a juvenile. Bottle-nosed dolphins frequently use the upper estuary of the River Shannon; however, it is unusual to record this species in such a small, constricted intertidal channel as the Ratty River. These dolphins may have been following food fish up the Ratty River during the Spring Tides of last week, as prey species such as Smelt, River lamprey, Salmon and Slob trout are moving upstream at this time of year.
The three dolphins have been confirmed to be a part of a resident population of Bottlenose dolphins that occupy the River Shannon Estuary; this population is listed as one of the qualifying interests of the Lower River Shannon SAC (Special Area of Conservation). The Bottlenose dolphin is listed on Annex II and Annex IV of the EU Habitats Directive (1992) and is protected in Ireland under the EC Birds and Natural Habitats Regulations (2011) and also under the Wildlife Act (1976, and Amendment 2000). A recent population assessment of the resident Bottlenose dolphin population in the Shannon Estuary was undertaken by the IWDG during 2010. Based on the results of this survey the population was evaluated as being stable; with an estimated population of 107 individuals (95% CI).
Based on observations the dolphins are not currently in a state of distress, and were also monitored over the last two days by ECOFACT staff . The series of bridge structures in the river downstream of their present location is considered to comprise a significant physical barrier, as well as impairing the acoustic navigation abilities of this species. Tides area also lower this week compared to the time when the dolphins entered the area, and this is likely to be a factor. Intervention to assist these dolphins will be undertaken by the NPWS and the IWDG if the need arises; although it is currently hoped that the dolphins will find their own way back to the Shannon estuary.
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UPDATE : bottlenose dolphins at Bunratty doing fine
- According to the IWDG the dolphins are “present but unpredictable” and “they look fit and healthy and appear to be foraging, perhaps on an early season salmon run“. For further details see the IWDG website.
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Listen to hydrophone recordings of the Bunratty bottlenose dolphins
http://www.iwdg.ie/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2368:bottlenose-dolphins-at-bunratty
