IN PICTURES: ‘Extremely rare’ dolphin spotted in Maldon appears healthy, local wildlife expert says

By Ben Shahrabi

30th Oct 2023 | Local News

A dolphin spotted in the River Chelmer off Maldon recently appears to be "fairly healthy", wildlife expert John Buchanan has told Nub News.

The author of Wildlife of Maldon identified it as a Common Dolphin, a species that is "extremely rare" around the Essex coast. He told Nub News the creatures are normally very social, so it is unusual to see one on its own.

"Nevertheless 'our' dolphin does currently appear to be fairly healthy, diving regularly and swimming in and out with the tide," John said.

Visitors to Promenade Park got a surprise on Thursday afternoon (October 26), when the marine mammal was spotted off Herrings Point.

The unusual sighting is confirmed to be that of the Common Dolphin, which has a global population of about six million. (Credit: Simon Wood)

Common dolphins are found around the south-west and western coasts of Britain, along the continental shelf.

John added: "It is the first time that we know of a dolphin being seen at Maldon. The only regular species of cetacean (whale or dolphin) that does occur in the Blackwater is the Harbour Porpoise but even these are normally only encountered much further towards the mouth of the estuary.

"We think it might be feeding on shoals of fish such as Grey Mullet that also come up with the tide at this time of year - the same reason why we sometimes see seals in the estuary."

The dolphin was seen swimming near the Queen's Head pub, presumably waiting to order a 'fin and tonic'. (Credit: Simon Wood)

It is likely to remain a mystery as to why the "special visitor" chose to spend time in Maldon. However, John has warned changing sea temperatures are affecting the distribution of a lot of marine life.

"An example is the increase in jellyfish that have been visible around Maldon and Heybridge in recent summers," he said.

John is part of the Chelmer Blackwater Reserve Community Interest Company, which opened a nature reserve near to Maldon's Tesco store during the summer.