Dolphin found dead in Southwick was ‘clearly victim of bycatch’

The creature was discovered in front of Carats Cafe on Southwick beach, the Brighton Dolphin Project confirmed.

It was found with a rope around its tail.

Thea Taylor, Brighton Dolphin Project Co-lead comments: “This is a sad end for this Common Dolphin, which has clearly been the victim of Bycatch.

“Pods of Common Dolphins have been sighted more regularly over the last few years in the Sussex area and are a great indicator of the health of the local marine ecosystem.

“We need to find a solution to the unnecessary deaths of these marine mammals.”

Bycatch, in the fishing industry, is a fish or other marine species that is caught unintentionally while catching certain target species and target sizes of fish.

In December, another dolphin was found dead on Shoreham beach with a rope around its tail – read more here.