During a marine surveillance by the Nature and Parks Authority's Marine Unit this morning (Thursday), a mother and young calf of the common dolphin species were observed off the coast of Atlit.
Eliyah Baskin, head of the Marine Unit at the Nature and Parks Authority who observed the dolphins, described the scene: "We were surprised to see dolphins, a mother and calf, leaping in the sea in the middle of our patrol. They accompanied us for a few minutes and appeared to be in good condition. A delightful sight for future generations."
After about half an hour of sea patrol, the inspectors were able to encounter another pod of six individuals off the coast of Caesarea, leading to 2 delightful sightings in one morning. The dolphin population in Israel numbers about 400 individuals.
The Nature and Parks Authority reports that the common dolphin is the most common species along the shores of the Mediterranean Sea in Israel. Dolphin researchers estimate that its population in the country numbers about 400 individuals, some of which have even been named. This species is not endangered, but the Mediterranean subpopulation is classified as Vulnerable (VU).
In 2024, dolphin researchers from the University of Haifa documented nine different sightings of common dolphins off the coast of Israel during marine surveys to monitor local dolphin populations. From the public, Dolphin's researchers received information about an additional 60 sightings since the beginning of the year.
The common dolphin is known to be particularly friendly, but it is important to remember that it is a wild animal, and one should not approach it closely. Encountered a marine mammal? Keep a distance, deter curious onlookers, take photos, and report to the Nature and Parks Authority's hotline at 3639* or on the website www.delphis.ngo/reporting.