On Sunday, 18th October, a group of rescue workers responded to a troubling incident involving three adolescent common dolphins that had become stranded in a marsh near Sandy Hook, New Jersey. The discovery was made by a birder who spotted the marine mammals stuck in marsh grass adjacent to the shallow waters of a creek at Spermaceti Cove, located within the Gateway National Recreation Area.
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The dolphins, which consisted of one male and two females, were confirmed to be in distress by staff from the National Park Service after the birder alerted them to the situation. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) soon became involved, receiving notification of the event shortly after the initial sighting.
Rescue teams, including volunteers from the MMSC and members of the Sea Bright Fire Rescue, arrived swiftly at the scene. Equipped with dry suits, they trekked through the challenging marsh environment to reach the stranded dolphins. Upon arrival, it became clear that the animals were in dire condition. Reports indicated that they were weak, lethargic, and significantly underweight.
A statement from the MMSC detailed the precarious state of the dolphins, noting that their condition was compounded by the danger that comes with being stranded on land, where their own body weight poses a risk of internal injuries. “When stranded on land, the pressure of their own body weight can cause damage to internal organs, significantly reducing their chances of survival,” the statement explained.
Despite the rescuers’ efforts to stabilise the dolphins, the assessment by the veterinary team ultimately led to a heartbreaking conclusion. The dolphins, having been trapped in the mud for an undetermined length of time, faced nearly insurmountable odds. After careful evaluation, it was decided that humane euthanasia was the most compassionate course of action to prevent further suffering.
Interestingly, the MMSC suggested that these dolphins may have been seen in the nearby Shrewsbury River just two days prior to their discovery in the marsh. “We suspect these may be the same dolphins reported in the Shrewsbury River on Friday,” the MMSC indicated in a statement.
In the aftermath of this event, the dolphins were transported to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory in Trenton. There, necropsies — the animal equivalent of autopsies — will be performed to ascertain the reasons that led them into the marsh. The year has already witnessed an alarming trend in dolphin strandings along New Jersey’s coast, with a total of 21 incidents recorded so far, compared to just 39 throughout the entirety of the previous year.
The MMSC reflected on the recent rescue effort, underscoring the emotional toll such situations take on all involved. “These situations are difficult for everyone involved, and we are deeply appreciative of the teamwork and compassion shown by all who worked to help these dolphins,” the centre remarked.
This incident highlights a worrying trend in marine mammal stranding along the New Jersey coastline. As rescue organisations continue to advocate for the protection of marine life, the focus remains on understanding the underlying issues that contribute to such tragic occurrences. The findings from the forthcoming necropsies may provide valuable insights into the health and behaviour of marine mammals in the region, potentially guiding future conservation efforts.