Harbor porpoises have been secured on the Elbe since 2013. As very good and fast swimmers who also live near the coast, it is not unusual for them to also pull up the rivers, especially since the Elbe has free access to the lake.
The non-profit association “Schweinswale eV” reports that committed citizens between Wedel and the Köhlbrand on the North Elbe have been sighting porpoises regularly for three weeks. The observations are made as part of the long-term Citizen Science program.
Porpoises have been sighted regularly in the Hamburg port area for three weeks, reports the
In spring 2016 in particular, large numbers of small whales were found in the lower reaches of the Weser and Elbe and observed while hunting. In spring they follow anadromous fish species that migrate from the North Sea to the rivers to spawn up to the fresh water.
“We ask all motorboat drivers to drive particularly carefully now!”says the biologist Denise Wenger, which launched the harbor porpoise sighting program in the rivers back in 2007. “The small whales often swim between the fairway and the bank, hunt or rest there. Last weekend we saw porpoises hunting several times near Rüschpark, exactly where fast motorboats often go. The whales disappeared, but we have pictures of porpoises with ship propeller injuries. “
Small and fast motor boats are particularly dangerous for harbor porpoises
Fast motor boats are particularly dangerous. In 2016, in connection with the port birthday, a large number of dead porpoises were found in the Hamburg port area.
Kayakers who are out and about on the Elbe report that the small whales come close to kayaks. The porpoise association ask not only to be considerate. Motorboat drivers should be especially careful. All residents, passers-by, ferry drivers, sailors, kayakers and boaters should keep their eyes peeled and report sightings of harbor porpoises and seals. This can be done with an online form (www.walschutz.org) or simply by phone or WhatsApp at 0176-22208271. Always remember: water does not belong to us humans alone. If you are lucky enough to see the animals, you should simply enjoy the natural spectacle. Because harbor porpoises need more protection. Therefore, construction work will be postponed. Harbor porpoises are listed as protected property for the Elbe and Weser.
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