New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Juvenile Dolphin Freed From Life-Threatening Debris

Date:
July 7, 2008
Source:
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration
Summary:
Scientists successfully removed a black rubber strap Tuesday that was wrapped around the head of a juvenile bottlenose dolphin, averting a life-threatening injury.
Share:
FULL STORY

Members of the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network successfully removed a black rubber strap Tuesday that was wrapped around the head of a juvenile bottlenose dolphin, averting a life-threatening injury.

In a coordinated effort, NOAA and network members located the juvenile dolphin in the Wilmington River, part of the intracoastal waterway near Savannah, Ga., and removed the piece of rubber that had wrapped around the area between its flippers and blowhole.

The team of scientists from NOAA, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Savannah State University, University of North Carolina at Wilmington, University of Georgia Marine Extension, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and others, began by carefully capturing the dolphin. An experienced marine mammal veterinarian gave the animal a complete physical exam and removed the rubber strap. The dolphin was then released into the river.

“We launched a rescue effort for this dolphin because the animal was entangled in marine debris and the entanglement was life-threatening,” said Jenny Litz, a NOAA Fisheries biologist. “As the dolphin was growing, the piece of rubber was tightening around its body and could have lead to infection.”

This injury is an example of the growing threat of marine debris to mammals and other animals in ocean waters. Rope, plastic materials and other debris discarded by humans can entangle, suffocate, starve and kill fish, turtles and marine mammals.

NOAA works to address the problem of marine debris through prevention and removal. NOAA-supported marine debris removal projects are underway in coastal communities around the nation.


Story Source:

Materials provided by National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Cite This Page:

National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration. "Juvenile Dolphin Freed From Life-Threatening Debris." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 7 July 2008. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707114119.htm>.
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration. (2008, July 7). Juvenile Dolphin Freed From Life-Threatening Debris. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 28, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707114119.htm
National Oceanic And Atmospheric Administration. "Juvenile Dolphin Freed From Life-Threatening Debris." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707114119.htm (accessed March 28, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES