The number of stranded dolphins across the Gulf Coast has jumped, tripling the number of deaths so far this year, a scientific agency warned on June 14.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed at least 279 dolphins were stranded across much of the Gulf of Mexico since the beginning of February. The figure represents triple the usual number and about 98 percent of them have died already.
A total of 261 bottlenose dolphins were found stranded between Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle over a four month period — three times the usual number https://t.co/5zSj3Dl96K
— CNN (@CNN) June 15, 2019
NOAA Fisheries has declared an ‘Unusual Mortality Event’ along the Gulf Coast where more than 261 Bottlenose dolphins have stranded since February. Most dolphins were found dead & many have skin lesions likely caused by prolonged exposure to freshwater. https://t.co/NCw0gyTXi8 pic.twitter.com/Lf8NCRpXch
— Quad Finn (@Quad_Finn) June 14, 2019
Scientists are preparing to investigate whether the 2010 British Petroleum oil spill disaster, reduced salinity from freshwater flowing from high rivers to the gulf, and a Louisiana spillway helped cause the deaths.
“We do know some of the health conditions … are improving but some have been slow to improve,” NOAA Fisheries’ Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program Coordinator Teri Rowles told The Associated Press. “Reproduction in the heaviest-oiled areas continues below normal.”
Authorities say at least 279 dolphins have stranded across the U.S. Gulf Coast since Feb. 1, triple the usual number. https://t.co/noePGIXImi
— The Associated Press (@AP) June 14, 2019
Rowles said 70 percent of the carcasses were too decomposed for necropsy.
Dolphins are dying at an increased rate in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Here’s how you can help researchers. https://t.co/46co5Mvu8o
— Hattiesburg American (@hburgamerican) June 14, 2019
Earlier reports blame the oil spill for causing lung and adrenal gland conditions in the dolphins, creating stress-related hormones, blood abnormalities, and generally poor condition. The reports also accused the spill of causing the gulf’s largest and longest dolphin die-off.
About 23 percent of the dolphins stranded between Louisiana and the Florida Panhandle showed evidence of sores, which are consistent with freshwater exposure, according to NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Program Administrator Erin Fougères.
NOAA’s website said such lesions are “not uncommon” in the springtime.
“[Freshwater exposure] does not appear to be the cause of death for all animals, so that’s something we’re continuing to investigate,” Fougères said.
At least 279 dolphins have been stranded along the Gulf Coast since February, scientists say https://t.co/ak81Y3Dlpp pic.twitter.com/FiIou6IPXK
— The Hill (@thehill) June 15, 2019
She said Mississippi had 121 dolphin strandings as of June 12, with 89 in Louisiana, 32 in Alabama, and 37 in Florida.
Institute of Marine Mammal Studies Director Moby Solangi declared Mississippi’s dolphin death toll was 126 in Gulfport by June 13. Solangi partly blamed the deaths on the recently opened Bonnet Carré Spillway, which he believes to have had a worse effect than the entire BP oil spill. He said 91 dead dolphins were found in Mississippi throughout the year of 2010 when the BP disaster happened.
A 2015 study funded by the Deepwater Horizon National Resource Damage Assessment found dolphins continued to die for years after the oil spill.
Fougères suggested other possible causes of death might include chemicals and other pollutants in the river water, and changes in the dolphins’ usual prey as fish and crabs that need higher salinity have already left the bays and estuaries where about 88 percent of the area’s 17 dolphin groups live.
Such groups tend to stay in their home territories in spite of changes that could harm them, according to Fougères.
Fougères said NOAA is also investigating reports of increased turtle strandings in Louisiana and Mississippi.
#DYK: 6 sea turtle species are found in U.S. waters. They’re all listed as endangered or threatened under the Endangered Species Act: https://t.co/BJXZ2E7h7J #SeaTurtleWeek #TurtleTuesday pic.twitter.com/PuUdgBDsmd
— NOAA Fisheries PIRO (@NOAAFish_PIRO) June 12, 2019
The numbers exceed five- and 10-year averages and are lower than some previous years, she said.
“We do not suspect sea turtle strandings are related to freshwater exposure,” Fougères said. “We are concerned that decreased salinity could have effects on their prey and habitat.”
#SeaTurtleWeek Here are 5 Ways You Can Help Sea Turtles – #1 Choose Turtle Safe Seafood. See what else you can do to help save sea turtles: https://t.co/6gxVCrWEKk pic.twitter.com/x18c1T7gRU
— NOAA Fisheries (@NOAAFisheries) June 14, 2019
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
