AN emergency call has gone out to find a bottlenose dolphin with packing tape wrapped around its torso.
The dolphin was spotted off Portsea by dolphin swim tour operators on Friday 21 March and rescuers want to track it down before the dolphin becomes too distressed or dies.
The Department of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI) issued an alert for boaters to be on the lookout for the dolphin.
DEPI’s regional director of Port Phillip, Travis Dowling, said the Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad used its boat for a zig-zag search of the area.
“Representatives of the AGL Marines Response Unit, Fisheries Victoria and volunteers of the Dolphin Research Institute all provided assistance and equipment,” he said.
“The search continued over the weekend but we were unable to locate the distressed dolphin. We are now very keen to hear of any further sightings before its condition deteriorates.”
Mark Keenan of Zoos Victoria said photographs showed the dolphin appeared to be in good body condition.
“However, this sort of entanglement can be fatal so we are very keen to find the dolphin and we’re calling on the community to help.”
Anyone spotting the dolphin is advised to take a note of the location and call the DEPI Whale and Dolphin Emergency hotline on 1300 136 017.
