by InTrieste
A large pod of dolphins, estimated at around seventy, was recently spotted in the Gulf of Trieste near the SIOT oil terminal. The sighting, captured on video by local resident Giuliano De Vita, has intrigued marine biologists and conservationists, who are now analyzing the phenomenon.
Experts believe, though they have yet to confirm, that the dolphins may belong to a well-documented group that typically inhabits the waters off Piran, Slovenia. This population is closely monitored by Slovenian researchers and is known to migrate toward Trieste in the summer months in search of food. The unseasonably early appearance of such a large group has sparked speculation about shifting marine patterns.
The early movement of these marine mammals could be tied to the migration of small pelagic fish, which typically begin their seasonal journey later in the spring. While dolphin activity in the region is not uncommon, such a significant gathering in March is noteworthy, as past occurrences of early migration have been rare.
The Gulf of Trieste, a shallow and biologically rich body of water at the northern tip of the Adriatic Sea, is home to a variety of marine species, with its dolphin population serving as an indicator of ecosystem health. Scientists plan to continue monitoring the group’s movements in the coming weeks to better understand the factors influencing their behavior.
