Rope or net blamed for dolphin's death

A second dolphin suspected of being caught in a rope or net has been recovered in Northland.
While it's not thought to be the same entangled dolphin spotted in the Bay of Islands in recent weeks, a DoC spokesperson says it indicates that the problem is all too common in the region.
Two people discovered a dead dolphin at Mangawhai Heads beach on Monday. Hayley Foster and a friend found the animal, which had skin ripped off its underside and a deep wound. Remnants of shredded rope or a net were tangled around its tail, Ms Foster said.
Whangarei Department of Conservation marine ranger Bryce Lummis said the Mangawhai dolphin was a sub-adult common dolphin.
Mr Lummis recovered the dolphin from Mangawhai yesterday and discovered it had been buried in the sand, and given a "grave site" complete with flowers.
He couldn't confirm whether it was a set-net or line that had injured the dolphin, which was taken away and would be used for research.
Meanwhile, the bottlenose dolphin calf entangled in rope in the Bay of Islands continues to evade its potential rescuers. It was first noticed by tour boat operators nearly two weeks ago.
DoC Bay of Islands marine ranger Elke Reufels said it was possible, but not very likely, that the dolphin washed up dead at Mangawhai was the same one that had been seen in the Bay of Islands, as she believed it was bigger.
She said some tangled dolphins were best left alone if they were in no obvious distress, but the young calf was struggling to swim freely and damage to its mouth indicated it may have internal injuries.
It happened all too often in Northland waters, Ms Reufels said. She urged people to clean up any debris they found floating in the water or washed up near the shoreline, as it could potentially be a hazard for dolphins.
Marine expert Ingrid Visser said it was important the public notified her or DoC as soon as possible if they found a dolphin, whale or other marine mammal - dead or alive.
Early recovery of a carcass could determine how the animal died and what hazards might still exist for others.
Anyone finding a marine mammal should phone 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362468), or Ingrid Visser, 0800 SEE ORCA (0274-727 627).