SA: Dolphin parts found in killer whale

AAP General News (Australia)
08-17-2001
SA: Dolphin parts found in killer whale

ADELAIDE, Aug 17 AAP - The remains of at least three dolphins were found in the stomach
of a young male killer whale which washed up dead on South Australia's Kangaroo Island
in 1999, the SA Museum confirmed today.

Research scientists said a recently completed examination of the stomach contents revealed
the flippers, bones and chunks of dolphin blubber.

The examination also found the dolphin remains had been cut with a knife indicating
they had been used as bait.

Museum spokeswoman Belinda Bocson said the young whale had washed ashore at Emu Bay
on December 7, 1999.

It had been dead for some time and because of the extent of decomposition the cause
had never been established.

Ms Bocson said scientists had always intended examining the stomach contents but a
lack of resources had left the pieces on ice until earlier this year.

While the use of dolphin meat as bait was illegal, the museum said it was a practice
not unknown in South Australia and other areas.

In the early 1990s a number of fishermen appeared in court in SA charged with possessing
dolphin pieces for use as bait.

AAP tjd/mg

KEYWORD: DOLPHINS

2001 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.