Pigs more frequently encountered in the Weser and Elbe rivers.
In the spring of 2024, an unusual surge of harbor porpoises was found in the Elbe and Weser rivers. According to a declaration from the Federal Institute of Hydrology in Koblenz, April was a groundbreaking month for both rivers, with at least five to ten times more porpoise sightings than usual. Typically, harbor porpoises reside in the North Sea and Wadden Sea, with a smaller population inhabiting the Baltic Sea. Annually, these creatures make their way into the Elbe, Ems, and Weser rivers to hunt for their primary food source, the sprat.
For the first time in history, harbor porpoise sounds were recorded beyond the Emmsperrwerk at Terborg. This finding suggests that these porpoises are not only navigating upstream through the dam but also thriving in the Ems river.
Thomas Taupp from Tieroekologie, a division of the Federal Institute of Hydrology, admits that there is no clear-cut answer as to why so many harbor porpoises were spotted in April. "Basically, harbor porpoises make their presence known if there's an ample food supply, given their significant energy consumption and frequent feeding needs," he explained. "So, it's plausible that the conditions in the rivers contributed to the increased porpoise population."
The Elbe River, where the unusual surge of harbor porpoises was discovered, might offer suitable conditions for these animals, potentially contributing to their increased population. Interestingly, the porpoises were heard making sounds beyond the Emmsperrwerk at Terborg, indicating their presence and thriving in the Ems river as well.
