On Tuesday, 23 December, cameras captured two dolphins stranded in the Oder at the Pionierów Bridge near Szczecin, an unprecedented event that stunned scientists.
Stunned by a Record
Cameras operated by Wód Polskich on 23 December recorded two marine mammals washing up in the Oder at the height of the Pionierów Bridge in Szczecin. Initially described as seals, the animals were quickly corrected to dolphins by specialists.
Expert Identifies the Species
Robert Maślak, a zoologist and member of the State Council for Nature Protection, identified the creatures as common dolphins (Delphinus delphis), a species that occasionally appears in the Baltic Sea. Dr. Iwona Pawliczka (also mentioned as Pawlik), director of the Hel Marine Station of the University of Gdańsk, noted that common dolphins prefer warmer, sunnier waters and usually enter the Baltic through the Danish Straits in pursuit of herring or sprat schools.
Why They Strayed into the Oder
Experts pointed out that narrow passages, shallow waters, and noise from ships and echosounds can disrupt dolphins’ echolocation, causing a loss of orientation. Under such conditions, the animals may inadvertently swim deeper into the river. Similar incidents have occurred before, notably in 2016 when two bottlenose dolphins entered the Łaba river, traveling nearly 100 kilometres upstream.
Freshwater Risks for Dolphins
Maślak warned that prolonged exposure to freshwater is extremely hazardous for dolphins, potentially leading to skin infections, severe stress, and death. Concrete shorelines, metal port structures, and locks further amplify acoustic confusion by reflecting sound waves.
Call for Public Reporting
Experts urge the public to report new sightings and refrain from approaching the animals. Each piece of information can aid monitoring efforts and inform protective actions.
