Common dolphin spotted in Izola and Koper

Over the past few days, we have received several calls reporting sightings of a single dolphin in Izola and Koper, reported to be exhibiting unusual behaviours. From the photographs and video, we were able to determine that the animal is a common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). We were also able to individually identify the dolphin and determine that this is the same individual that the Morigenos team observed in Koper back in 2022. The same individual was observed two weeks ago in the Miramare protected area and in Grignano, reported to us by our friends from Shoreline. The same animal has also been repeatedly observed around the islands of Rab and Krk during the past year, which we could determine based on photographs sent to us by our various followers. Thanks to additional reports we received today, our team was able to locate the dolphin to further assess its condition. Based on video footage received and our own observations in the field, The dolphin is not injured or debilitated. However, its somewhat unusual behavior is likely due to being solitary, as this is a species that normally lives in large groups.
Common dolphins in this area are a relatively rare occurrence. Previously abundant in the Adriatic, the common dolphin has almost disappeared due to targeted killing campaigns that lasted until the 1960s.
What to do?
Please, DO NOT INTERACT with the dolphin. Interacting with solitary dolphins only worsens their behavior and puts them at more risk. It can also put you at risk. Although dolphins generally do not attack humans, this is a wild animal already exhibiting atypical behaviors and could potentially hurt a person, or transmit infectious diseases. Do not feed the animal and do not enter the water.
If you see this dolphin, please CONTACT US by phone on +386 31 77 10 77. We are monitoring its movement and behavior. Photos or videos of the dolphin are especially useful – please send them to pr@morigenos.org.
To learn more about the common dolphin in the northern Adriatic, see our open-access publication:
Genov T., Kotnjek P., Centrih T. 2021. Occurrence of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Gulf of Trieste and the northern Adriatic Sea. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 31 (Special Issue: Conservation and Research Status of Mediterranean Delphinus delphis): 69–75. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.3407
You can also learn more about the decline of the common dolphin in the Adriatic in our latest collaboration with our friends from Dolphin Biology and Conservation: Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Genov T, Notarbartolo di Sciara G. 2024. Whales and dolphins of the Adriatic Sea: present knowledge, threats and conservation. Acta Adriatica 65:75-121. https://acta.izor.hr/acta/pdf/65_1_pdf/65_1_1.pdf