02/08/2024
In this video taken by my cousin, we see a family of bottlenose dolphins gracefully swimming through the bay: three adults and one calf. The young dolphin playfully explores its surroundings. They continue on their way but stay close because they are common companions of slow-moving boats.
This is why we often encounter them on our tours. Dolphins are easily spotted in the bay, especially if you’re moving slowly, as the water is rich in fish, which they feed on. If they are following you, they might be enjoying the rhythm of your boat and the waves that invite them to play. It is believed that at least one family of dolphins is permanently resident in the bay.
Unfortunately, due to the increased activity of boats moving at illegal speeds, fewer dolphins have been observed in the bay. The NGO Montenegro Sighting Network has found through its observations that the dolphin population was much larger during the COVID-19 pandemic than before it, but also that this year the numbers are lower compared to previous periods. It is believed that the noise from fast boats disrupts dolphins, as they rely on echolocation to navigate.
This is a call to reflect on our behavior. Will we continue to be reckless, or will we allow all the inhabitants of this beautiful place to live their lives? The choice is ours, and our decisions will shape the future of this lovely bay and its residents.
Learn how to protect bay dolphins and understand the impact of our actions on their habitat. Let's preserve the beauty of our bay.
