A dolphin in the Little Belt (Lillebælt) strait has drawn attention with its playful behavior, but this behavior is now beginning to have serious consequences for local harbor porpoises. Witnesses report that the dolphin has been playing with boats and buoys in the area; however, in recent weeks, it has turned its attention toward the porpoises.
Ship captain Steen Heide from the tour boat M/S Sabine, which offers whale watching tours, has reported several incidents where he and other tour boats have attempted to rescue porpoises from the dolphin. Heide describes how the dolphin chases large, red buoy-like floats towed behind the boats, providing the porpoises with a chance to escape. However, the dolphin continues to successfully attack, swimming underneath the porpoises and tossing them around. This aggressive behavior often results in the porpoises suffering broken ribs or punctured lungs, leading to their deaths.
The Municipality of Middelfart is aware of the situation but does not plan to intervene concerning the dolphin. Jens Christian Rasmussen from the Nature and Environment Department explains that the dolphin’s presence is viewed as a consequence of climate change, with its behavior being interpreted either as rough play or a competition for food. The municipality has no intentions to regulate either the porpoises or the dolphin.
It remains uncertain whether there is only one dolphin or if there are multiple dolphins in the Little Belt. Rasmussen adds that they will continue to monitor the situation but do not plan any specific measures.