A warning issued for dolphin Tom

AYDIN - Doğan News Agency

Environmentalists in the western resort of Kuşadası have issued a call for authorities to relocate Tom, a dolphin that was rescued two years ago from a dolphinarium in nearby Hisarönü, before fishing season begins on Sept. 1 out of fears for his safety.

Tom, who was rescued along with another dolphin, Misha, before undergoing 20 months of rehabilitation, has reportedly refused to leave Kuşadası’s waters; now, however, concerns are growing over his wellbeing due to the upcoming opening of the fishing season, which could result in the mammal being caught in nets. “Tom might head to these boats to find fish and could have an accident because of these boats. Kuşadası’s fishermen have so far very sensitive to the dolphin even though their fishing nets are suffering damage,” Kuşadası Association for Ecosystem Protection and Animal Lovers (EKODOSD) Chairman Bahattin Sürücü recently said.

Fishermen in the town have delivered complaints to officials of the Born Free Foundation, which became the legal owner of the dolphin after it was rescued from Hisarönü, and have been told that the dolphin will be reunited with Misha in the southern province of Antalya.

“But nothing has been done so far and Tom is still here. They should take action before Tom is harmed,” Sürücü said.