Surge in live strandings in north Mayo

THE Mullet Peninsula has seen a surge in live stranding activity this year, the Mayo branch of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group has reported.

Since January, County Mayo has had 25 live-stranded cetaceans - 23 pelagic dolphins and two deep-diving beaked whales. Of these, 18 dolphins were stranded in Blacksod Bay alone, with four more in Killala Bay in March.

With volunteers kept busy in 2025, some years are quiet, others are intense - that’s the nature of a live stranding hotspot, say the group.

The latest stranding responded to by Mayo IWDG occurred over the August bank holiday weekend in Elly Bay, Belmullet.

Two common dolphins were reported refloating in shallow water - one just barely clearing the sand beneath and the other still grounded by its pectoral fins. A brief relocation attempt was made, but the dolphin resisted, so both were monitored and allowed to refloat naturally in the area.

The more grounded dolphin was floated out using a soft sling between two IWDG responders. It responded well, vocalising and swimming off confidently after the other dolphin, who was already heading towards a deeper channel.

Later that day, a third dolphin was found deceased nearby with different dorsal fin markings, confirming this was a small group of three.

Earlier this summer, in May, two relocations of dolphins to deeper water occurred, also in Elly Bay.

Mayo IWDG thanked the volunteers and all who assisted with rescues, including members of the public who reported live strandings to (097) 28118.

The branch is holding a live stranding training course for the Blacksod Bay area on September 6, with some places still available. Email gemma.oconnor@iwdg.ie for enquiries.