EXCLUSIVE BREAKING FIRST REPORTED: In a first for the Isle of Wight, rare and protected dolphins are set to be released into Ryde Canoe Lake in a bid to boost tourist numbers this summer.
Works to clear the area are due to start in May, with the lake being completely dredged and improved.
The protected dolphins - which are unable to be released into the sea - are expected to become one of the Island’s most sought after attractions.
Current wildlife will be housed at the end of the lake while the restoration works are carried out.
Once completed — which is expected to be in August — around six bottlenose dolphins will be released into the new salty, crystal clear waters.
Special guided tours of the lake will be available, using the existing swan-like boats, which will receive a lick of paint and upgraded seating.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Mayor of Ryde, Michael Lilley, said:
"There's actually pipes that can link the sea into the canoe lake and actually we can introduce salt water into the lake.
"A bit like the Isle of Wight Wildlife Sanctuary where they have tigers, this will be a sanctuary for dolphins which wouldn't survive in the wild. They've had various injuries. So this would protect them and it would be a showstopper for Ryde. I mean, you can imagine the attraction with dolphins there.
"This could be quite an amazing thing and I'm going to be contacting Chris Packham about it and getting his support. This could be fantastic for Ryde."
Environmental expert, Finn Tail, said:
“This is a great opportunity for the protected dolphins to start a new life on the Island. The Isle of Wight just seemed like the perfect place!”
The scheme is the latest initiative from the council to improve water-based attractions - on an island surrounded by sea.
If successful, it's understood the abandoned canoe lake, on Culver Parade in Sandown, could be the next to be converted.
*UPDATED* 12pm
*Despite some people thinking it would be a good idea, it's definitely not true.
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