Marine & Wildlife

Wild Dolphin Boat Strike Welfare

Boat strikes injure and kill dolphins in busy coastal waters, causing traumatic injuries that are often survivable but cause significant welfare harm.

Key Facts

Boat strike injuries include propeller lacerations, blunt trauma and fractures
Bottlenose dolphins in inshore areas are most frequently affected due to habitat overlap with vessels
Speed restrictions in designated zones significantly reduce strike risk
Acoustic deterrents and lookout obligations are used in some high-risk areas
BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) responds to live-stranded injured cetaceans

Welfare Considerations

Boat strike causes acute severe trauma in dolphins. Speed restrictions and responsible boating behaviour in dolphin-rich waters reduce preventable suffering.

What You Can Do

Reduce boat speed to under 5 knots when dolphins are present
Never intentionally approach dolphins - allow them to approach you
Report injured or dead cetaceans to BDMLR or the strandings network immediately