Dauphin Island Sea Lab Reports Historic Mass Dolphin Stranding after Hurricane Sally
December 1, 2020
(SOURCE: DISL) Dauphin Island Sea Lab Reports Historic Mass Dolphin Stranding after Hurricane Sally
Dauphin Island Sea Lab reported that six Atlantic spotted dolphins were found dead in the marsh on the north side of the Island on Friday, September 25. The spotted dolphins, all females, appeared to have stranded alive several days before they were discovered.
Atlantic spotted dolphins are offshore dolphins and it is considered rare for this species to strand on the coast of Alabama, with the last stranding documented in January of 2018.
DISL states that if you find a sick, injured, or deceased marine mammal in the Southeast United States, call 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343) as soon as possible. DISL said to never push a live stranded animal back into the water because it can prevent trained responders and veterinarians from providing timely care. Mass strandings are rare along the northern Gulf Coast, and information collected by ALMMSN from this stranding of will be crucial to better understand the effects of storm events on marine mammals in the Gulf of Mexico.
Be sure to report any sick, injured, and/or deceased marine mammals in Alabama to the 24/7 ALMMSN Stranding Hotline at 1-877-WHALE-HELP (942-5343).
