Jörg-Andreas Krüger, chairman of the German Nature Conservation Union (NABU), believes that the chances of survival are slim for the harbor porpoise trapped off the coast of the island of Poel in the Baltic Sea. Speaking to “T-Online” on Wednesday, Krüger stated, “I would wish him well, but judging by his injuries, it doesn’t look good for him”. The porpoise is currently stuck in shallow water, putting stress on its internal organs due to its own weight.
Krüger also voiced skepticism regarding the ongoing rescue efforts. He noted that “the situation likely means enormous stress for the porpoise”. Furthermore, he suggested that the presence of multiple boats around the animal could worsen the predicament, explaining that “it is extremely difficult to move a porpoise in such a situation and involves great uncertainties”.
In his view, a more cautious approach was warranted, requiring careful assessment to determine if any intervention would genuinely benefit the animal. He stated that, “for an animal in this condition, it is highly questionable whether transport would even help, even if it were successful”.
Regarding the potential cause of the porpoise’s predicament, whom many people call “Timmy” Krüger attributed some blame to human impact. He pointed out that the entrance of the Baltic Sea from the North Atlantic is one of the busiest shipping routes globally. “Whales often injure themselves there on propeller blades or become entangled in ghost nets-this is nothing unusual” Krüger remarked. He speculated that “Timmy got into a trap because he strayed far from his usual habitats”.
According to Krüger, the case could remain a long-term issue for Germany, as porpoises could survive “for weeks and months” without food.