(The Herald Sun, Australia)
Dead dolphins found tied to concrete block north of Townsville
From: AAP June 02, 2011 4:40PM
THE deaths of two rare dolphins found tied to a block of concrete have enraged Great Barrier Reef conservationists.
The bodies of the Australian snubfin dolphins were found at Toolakea Beach north of Townsville about two weeks ago.
They were tied by a rope to a mangrove in the upper reaches of Two Mile Creek, with a block of concrete attached to the rope.
The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority is appealing for information about the dolphins, considered "near threatened" under Queensland law.
Spokesman Mick Bishop said the dolphins were probably caught in fishing nets accidentally but the incident should have been reported.
"Instead, there has been a clear attempt to conceal the bodies of these dolphins," he said.
"Snubfin dolphins inhabit the inshore waters of northern Australia and they face a number of threats, particularly from coastal development, habitat loss and illegal netting."
WWF spokesman Richard Leck said this was a test for the area's fishermen.
"The people who were involved know what they have done but it's unlikely they would have been doing it without someone else knowing they were in the area," he said.
"It's time for fishers to protect this species, rather than their mates."
The sad find came about the same time as two snubfins washed up dead at Gladstone, and green turtles were discovered dead near Bowen.
Times were already tough for these species, as the Queensland floods had destroyed large areas of the seagrass that sustains them, Mr Leck said.
Scientists were only just starting to learn about the snubfin dolphin, a "rare treasure" in Queensland's waters, he said.
The animals were found by a recreational fisherman on May 23 and reported to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
Anyone with information should contact the authority on 07 4726 058.
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