What to do if a dolphin is stranded?

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If you encounter a stranded dolphin, immediately prioritize its safety and well-being by contacting trained professionals, and avoid any direct interaction that could cause further stress or harm. Knowing what to do if a dolphin is stranded is crucial for its survival.

Introduction: Understanding Dolphin Strandings

Dolphin strandings are a distressing phenomenon that can occur for various reasons, ranging from illness and injury to navigational errors and human interference. Understanding the potential causes and knowing what to do if a dolphin is stranded is vital for its survival and overall marine conservation efforts. Responding effectively and responsibly can make a significant difference in the animal’s outcome and contribute to valuable scientific data. These events are unfortunately becoming more frequent, highlighting the urgent need for public awareness and informed action.

Common Causes of Dolphin Strandings

Several factors can contribute to a dolphin stranding. These causes can be broadly categorized as natural and anthropogenic (human-induced).

Natural Causes:
- Illness and Injury: Dolphins, like any other animal, can suffer from diseases, parasites, and injuries sustained from predators or accidents.
- Navigational Errors: Young or inexperienced dolphins may become disoriented in unfamiliar waters, especially during strong tides or storms. Older individuals can also suffer from cognitive decline, leading to similar issues.
- Extreme Weather: Severe storms and hurricanes can push dolphins into shallow waters, making them vulnerable to stranding.
- Entrapment: Dolphins may become trapped in enclosed areas like bays or estuaries during low tide.
Anthropogenic Causes:
- Entanglement in Fishing Gear: Abandoned or actively used fishing nets and lines can entangle dolphins, causing injury, starvation, and drowning.
- Vessel Strikes: Collisions with boats and ships can cause severe injuries, often leading to stranding.
- Pollution: Exposure to pollutants, such as oil spills, chemical waste, and plastic debris, can weaken a dolphin’s immune system and make it more susceptible to disease.
- Noise Pollution: Excessive underwater noise from sonar, seismic surveys, and shipping can disrupt dolphins’ communication and navigation abilities, leading to stranding.
- Human Interaction: Feeding or harassing dolphins can alter their natural behavior and make them more vulnerable to human-related threats.

The Immediate Response: What to do if a Dolphin is Stranded

What to do if a dolphin is stranded involves a series of crucial steps.

Prioritize Safety: Your safety is paramount. Ensure that the animal isn’t agitated and that the surrounding environment is safe from hazards (e.g., strong tides, dangerous debris). Keep a safe distance from the dolphin to avoid causing further stress or potentially being injured.
Call the Experts: Immediately contact your local marine mammal stranding network. This is the most critical step. These organizations have trained professionals equipped to assess the dolphin’s condition and provide the necessary care. A list of resources is provided at the end of this article.
Provide Basic First Aid (While Waiting for Help):
- Keep the dolphin moist: Gently pour water over the dolphin’s skin, avoiding the blowhole (the breathing opening on top of its head). Use wet towels or blankets to protect it from the sun and wind.
- Keep the blowhole clear: Ensure the blowhole is free from sand, seaweed, or other debris.
- Protect from overheating: Use shade structures if available to prevent the dolphin from overheating.
- Minimize noise and disturbance: Keep the area quiet and avoid loud noises or sudden movements.
Document the Stranding (If Possible): If it is safe to do so and doesn’t distract from the priority of contacting professionals, taking photographs and noting the dolphin’s location, size, and any visible injuries can be helpful for rescuers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Responding to a Stranded Dolphin

While your intentions are good, certain actions can inadvertently harm a stranded dolphin. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Do not push the dolphin back into the water: The dolphin may be stranded due to illness or injury and needs professional assessment before being returned to the ocean.
Do not attempt to feed the dolphin: Providing food can worsen its condition or interfere with veterinary care.
Do not cover the blowhole: The blowhole is essential for the dolphin to breathe.
Do not handle the dolphin excessively: Excessive handling can cause stress and further weaken the animal.
Do not administer medication without professional guidance: Incorrect medication can be harmful or even fatal.
Do not keep the dolphin as a pet: Dolphins are protected by law, and it is illegal to possess them.

The Role of Marine Mammal Stranding Networks

Marine mammal stranding networks are organizations dedicated to responding to and assisting stranded marine animals, including dolphins. These networks typically consist of:

Trained professionals: Biologists, veterinarians, and experienced volunteers who are trained in marine mammal handling and care.
Specialized equipment: Transport vehicles, medical supplies, and other equipment necessary for rescuing and rehabilitating stranded animals.
Research programs: Data collection and analysis to understand the causes of strandings and improve conservation efforts.

These networks play a crucial role in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded dolphins, as well as in gathering valuable data to help protect these magnificent creatures. They are your primary contact when you discover a stranded dolphin.

Long-Term Conservation Efforts

Responding to stranded dolphins is just one aspect of broader conservation efforts. Protecting dolphins requires a multi-faceted approach, including:

Reducing pollution: Implementing stricter regulations to minimize pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic debris.
Managing fisheries responsibly: Implementing sustainable fishing practices that minimize bycatch (accidental capture of non-target species) and protect dolphin habitats.
Regulating vessel traffic: Establishing speed limits and designated shipping lanes to reduce the risk of vessel strikes.
Reducing noise pollution: Implementing noise reduction measures in areas where dolphins are known to frequent.
Educating the public: Raising awareness about the threats facing dolphins and promoting responsible human behavior.

By working together, we can create a safer and healthier environment for dolphins and other marine life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens to a dolphin after it is rescued?

After a dolphin is rescued, it undergoes a thorough veterinary examination to assess its condition. The dolphin may receive medical treatment, be hydrated, and be provided with supportive care. If the dolphin is deemed suitable for rehabilitation, it will be transferred to a specialized facility where it will receive further care and monitoring.

How long does it take to rehabilitate a stranded dolphin?

The duration of rehabilitation varies depending on the individual dolphin’s condition and the severity of its injuries or illness. Some dolphins may recover within a few weeks, while others may require months or even years of intensive care. The goal is to restore the dolphin to full health and prepare it for release back into the wild.

What are the ethical considerations surrounding dolphin strandings and rescues?

Ethical considerations include prioritizing the dolphin’s welfare, minimizing stress during rescue and rehabilitation, and ensuring that the release is conducted in a manner that maximizes the dolphin’s chances of survival. Human safety is also crucial. Decisions regarding euthanasia are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the severity of the dolphin’s condition and its likelihood of recovery.

How can I volunteer to help with dolphin strandings?

Many marine mammal stranding networks rely on volunteers to assist with various tasks, such as responding to strandings, providing animal care, and conducting outreach and education. Contact your local stranding network to inquire about volunteer opportunities and training requirements.

What are the legal protections for dolphins?

Dolphins are protected under various laws and regulations, including the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) in the United States and similar legislation in other countries. These laws prohibit the harassment, hunting, and killing of dolphins, as well as the import and export of dolphin products. Violations of these laws can result in significant penalties.

What is the best way to report a dolphin stranding?

The best way to report a dolphin stranding is to contact your local marine mammal stranding network immediately. Provide the location of the stranded dolphin, a description of its condition, and any other relevant information. Do not attempt to approach or handle the dolphin without professional guidance.

Are some dolphin species more prone to strandings than others?

Some dolphin species, such as long-finned pilot whales, are known to be more prone to mass strandings than others. This may be due to their social behavior, foraging habits, or vulnerability to certain environmental factors. However, any dolphin species can become stranded under certain circumstances.

What role does climate change play in dolphin strandings?

Climate change can exacerbate several factors that contribute to dolphin strandings, including extreme weather events, changes in prey distribution, and increased ocean temperatures. These factors can stress dolphins, weaken their immune systems, and make them more susceptible to disease and injury.

What research is being conducted to understand dolphin strandings?

Researchers are investigating various aspects of dolphin strandings, including the causes of strandings, the health and behavior of stranded dolphins, and the effectiveness of different rescue and rehabilitation techniques. This research is essential for improving our understanding of dolphin strandings and developing effective strategies for protecting these animals.

What should I do if I find a dead dolphin on the beach?

If you find a dead dolphin on the beach, do not touch it. Report the finding to your local marine mammal stranding network. They will collect the carcass and conduct a necropsy (animal autopsy) to determine the cause of death. This information is valuable for monitoring dolphin populations and understanding the threats they face.

What can I teach my children about dolphin strandings?

Teach your children about the importance of respecting marine life, the threats facing dolphins, and the role they can play in protecting these animals. Emphasize the importance of reporting strandings to the appropriate authorities and avoiding any actions that could harm dolphins or their habitat.

How can I stay informed about dolphin conservation efforts?

Stay informed about dolphin conservation efforts by following marine mammal stranding networks, conservation organizations, and scientific publications. Attend public lectures and workshops, and support organizations that are working to protect dolphins and their environment. By staying informed and engaged, you can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these magnificent creatures.

Key Resources for Reporting Stranded Dolphins:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries: Contact your regional NOAA Fisheries office or marine mammal stranding network coordinator.
Your Local Marine Mammal Stranding Network: Search online for “[your state/region] marine mammal stranding network” for specific contact information.