The press release below, regarding the presence of a solitary dolphin in the ports of Koper and Izola, while not directly related to the project's activities, serves as an important communication highlighting the critical need to protect and conserve marine ecosystems, as well as the consequences of negative impacts on them.

Press release, 3/12/2024
Morigenos Society Warns of the Presence of a Solitary Dolphin in Ports and Urges Caution
In the past few days, we have received several reports of a solitary dolphin spotted in the ports of Isola and Koper, exhibiting unusual behavior. Based on photographs and video footage, we have identified the animal as 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. More recently, it was observed two weeks ago in the Miramare Protected Area and in Grignano, according to information from our colleagues at Shoreline. Additionally, this dolphin has been frequently seen around the islands of Rab and Krk over the past year, as shown in photos shared by our followers.
Thanks to additional reports, our team located the dolphin today and assessed its condition. Based on the video footage and our own observations in the field, we can confirm that the dolphin is neither injured nor debilitated. Its somewhat unusual behavior is likely due to its solitary state, as this species typically lives in large groups.
Common dolphins are relatively rare in this area. Previously abundant in the Adriatic Sea, the common dolphin has nearly disappeared due to deliberate extermination, which continued until the 1960s.
WHAT TO DO?
Please DO NOT INTERACT with the dolphin. Interacting with a solitary dolphin may exacerbate its unusual behavior and put it at further risk. It could also pose a risk to humans. While dolphins generally do not attack humans, this is a wild animal displaying abnormal behavior, and it could potentially harm people or transmit infectious diseases. Do not feed the dolphin or attempt to swim with it.
If you see a dolphin, please CONTACT us at +386 31 77 10 77. We are closely monitoring the dolphin's movements and behavior. Photos and videos are highly appreciated and can be sent to pr@morigenos.org.
For more information about common dolphins in the northern Adriatic, you can access our freely available publication: Genov T., Kotnjek P., Centrih T. (2021). Occurrence of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Gulf of Trieste and the northern Adriatic. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems, 31: 69-75.
You can also learn more about the decline of the common dolphin in the Adriatic Sea in our latest publication, co-authored with our colleagues 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.
The Morigenos Society has been studying dolphins in Slovenia and the northern Adriatic since 2002. Our research focuses on population size and distribution, behavior, social and genetic structure, and the impact of human activities on cetaceans. We are also involved in cetacean studies globally. For more information about dolphins, visit www.morigenos.org or www.delfini.si.
More Information:
Krista Lokar, Researcher
Morigenos – Slovenian Society for Marine Mammals
Tartini Square 10
6330 Piran
www.morigenos.org
Tel: +386 5 901 40 67
Email: pr@morigenos.org
Twitter/X: @Morigenos_org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Morigenos
Instagram: @morigenos