STUMPY the dolphin is part of the South West’s very own dolphin population.

The bottlenose dolphin, called Stumpy because of the missing tip of its dorsal fin, was posted off the Dorset Coast over the bank holiday weekend.

Dorset Wildlife Trust experts believe the dolphin could now be part of a resident population in the South West, after it was spotted in Falmouth, Penzance, Newquay and Padstow in Cornwall.

Other populations of dolphins known to be in the UK include the Moray Firth dolphins in Scotland and the Cardigan Bay dolphins in Wales. Marine conservationists and researchers use photo identification to identify individuals and populations. Different marks, like scars and nicks in the dorsal fins, help to identify individuals.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Marine Awareness Officer, Julie Hatcher said: “The South West population, which ranges from Dorset to Cornwall, often splits into smaller groups of three or four, or slightly larger groups of around 20 animals. “Although it is not known exactly how many animals are resident in the South West group as a whole, a number of young dolphins have been recorded in recent years, which is encouraging.”

To help protect the dolphins, the wildlife trust recommends that boats follow a marine code of conduct when dolphins are spotted nearby. The cetaceans are protected by law from disturbance and injury.

Mrs Hatcher added: “Rules include not driving directly towards them, maintaining a steady course and speed so they can predict your movements and avoid boats if necessary, and not splitting up the group. “Boat users should also be aware of other vessels around the dolphins and not box them in – move away if there are more than two vessels within one km. Often, dolphins will decide to come over to you, but it must be their choice.”