In Mar del Tuyú, a dolphin of the franciscana species lost its life after being taken out of the sea by a tourist seeking to take photos. According to witnesses, the dolphin was lifted while floating near the shore and quickly attracted a curious crowd wanting to capture the moment.
The tragedy in Mar del Tuyú adds to previous episodes in San Bernardo with similar outcomes, highlighting the widespread lack of awareness regarding respect for marine life. Environmental organizations stress the importance of educating the population to prevent incidents like this from happening again.
"Education is key to avoiding such situations. It is essential for people to help rescue these animals and return them to the sea if they find them on the shore. Every franciscana counts," stated representatives from Wildlife Foundation.
The franciscana, also known as the Plata dolphin, is one of the smallest cetacean species, with an average length of 1.50 meters. These animals face great risks when stranded, especially during the tourist season when interaction with humans can exacerbate their vulnerability.
In case of encountering a stranded dolphin, experts recommend not touching it or removing it from the water. Improper contact with these animals can cause irreparable harm and accelerate their deterioration.
This incident in Mar del Tuyú is not an isolated case. Similar situations with fatal outcomes for franciscana dolphins have previously been recorded in the region. The protection of this species is critical, as its recovery potential is alarmingly low.
The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) classifies franciscana dolphins as vulnerable to extinction. Only found along the coasts of Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, their preservation is crucial to ensure their long-term survival.
Wildlife Foundation and other organizations have mourned the tragic incident in Mar del Tuyú, urging the public to become aware of the importance of protecting these marine species. Avoiding direct contact with stranded dolphins and notifying local authorities or specialized groups are key measures for their safeguarding.
