Harbour porpoise in Ostrobothnia develops severe skin lesions, rescue operation considered

A harbour porpoise lingering in Finland’s Kyrönjoki River for weeks has developed serious skin lesions, prompting researchers to consider a rescue operation, reports Finnish public broadcaster Yle.

Markus Ahola, a researcher at Turku University of Applied Sciences, confirmed the porpoise’s condition has worsened after reviewing new footage. “The skin symptoms look quite severe. It clearly didn’t leave in time,” Ahola said. The animal’s skin, once showing only a few blisters, is now partially covered in lesions caused by prolonged exposure to freshwater—a stark contrast to its natural saltwater habitat.

While food remains available in the river, the lack of salinity is damaging the porpoise’s health. Concerningly, recent sightings place it farther upstream, moving away from the sea. “It’s made a misjudgment,” Ahola noted, calling the situation rare, as harbour porpoises are seldom observed this far north in Ostrobothnia.

Researchers are now assessing whether a rescue operation is feasible, pending further evaluation of the animal’s overall condition. An on-site veterinarian would make the final decision, with ethical and animal welfare considerations weighing heavily. If approved, Ahola speculates the porpoise might be captured using nets, possibly as early as this weekend when another researcher plans to investigate its health.

The porpoise has drawn local attention since first appearing in the Kyrönjoki River in late April, an unusual event given the species’ typical coastal habits.