Overview
- Mimmo, a young bottlenose dolphin first seen in June, was observed again this week in the crowded waters off St Mark’s Square.
- The coastguard has told skippers to keep at least 50 metres away, a buffer experts say is hard to maintain in the congested basin.
- Researchers from CERT and Venice’s Natural History Museum are monitoring the animal, which has been approaching boats and displaying caught fish.
- An underwater sound deterrent tried in June failed, and teams are preparing further measures to nudge the dolphin back to open sea.
- Residents and activists have launched a “Save the dolphin” campaign, reporting selfie tours and people throwing fish and balls, with a flash mob planned on Saturday to press for stronger protections.