North Corfu: Dolphin washed ashore on Kerasia beach

(Spyridoula Kokkali) On Sunday, May 11, the fifth dolphin washed ashore in our area was recorded within the period of a few months - on Kerasia Beach. Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection Theofanis Skembris and Deputy Mayor of Environment Spyridoula Kokkali went immediately to the location to handle the incident according to established protocols.

Following the instructions of Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and founder of the “ARION” Research Centre, Anastasia Komninou, a sample was taken from the dolphin’s body, which will be sent to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Through DNA testing, the sex, age, and possible cause of death of the marine mammal will be determined.

This incident highlights the importance of having trained local teams and collaboration with scientific institutions. To this end, the Cetacean Rescue and Rehabilitation Research Centre “ARION” and the Ionian Environment Foundation (IEF) are implementing the training programme: “Marine Mammal Strandings Responders: The Ionian Sea Network Project (MMSR),” aimed at creating Cetacean Stranding Management Teams (Ionian CSMTs) on all Ionian islands.

The first phase of the programme begins in the Municipality of North Corfu and includes both theoretical and practical training for service personnel, scientists, students, and environmentally conscious members of the public. Activities will expand to Lefkada and Cephalonia, gradually building an organised response network.

The IEF is expected to serve as a central support pillar for the Ionian CSMTs, in collaboration with “ARION” and the institutionalised National Network of the Ministry of Environment.

Upcoming training seminar dates:

• Municipality of North Corfu: May 23 & 24 (former Kouloura Town Hall)

• Zakynthos: May 30 & 31 (Department of Environment, Ionian University)

Members of the public who wish to participate can express their interest through ARION’s contact form: https://arion.org.gr/contact

Important notice to residents

If you encounter a stranded marine mammal:

• Do not touch it – it may carry microorganisms dangerous to your health.

• Immediately contact:

  • Port Authority: 26613 65200

  • ARION: 6945 64994 / 6945 531850

  • Municipality of North Corfu: 26633 60155

  • Theofanis Skembris, Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection & Mechanical Equipment: 6944 555184

  • Spyridoula Kokkali, Deputy Mayor of Circular Economy, Environment & Public Relations: 6978 614699

  • Georgios Mavropoulos, Head of Civil Protection: 6974 466941

"The protection of marine life and the timely, scientifically supported handling of such incidents is a responsibility we all share. Our municipality remains committed to enhancing environmental awareness and local readiness. We are here to work alongside scientists, citizens, and institutions for a sustainable marine environment."

Photos: FB / Spyridoula Kokkali