Half a dozen dolphins died after being stranded in an Alabama coastal marsh in what researchers describe as a historic event likely caused by Hurricane Sally.
According to information provided by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, the deaths constitute the first mass stranding of its kind in the state of Alabama.
The stranding was first reported by someone using a paddle board in Graveline Bay on the north side of Dauphin Island. Staff from the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) investigated the scene, where most of the six Atlantic spotted dolphins, all female, lay hidden from sight by tall marsh grass.
Staff with the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network work to bring in the bodies of dolphins found stranded on Dauphin Island after Hurricane Sally.Courtesy Dauphin Island Sea Lab
The remains of the animals were taken to the Marine Mammal Research Center at the Sea Lab, which itself suffered heavy damage in the storm. Examination suggested the dolphins may have been stranded alive for several days.
“The major finding during examination was nearly empty stomachs, indicating the animals had not eaten in some time,” said ALMMSN Veterinarian Jennifer Bloodgood. “Unfortunately, decomposition of the tissues limits our ability to interpret findings, which happens often with deceased animals in the Alabama heat, and highlights the importance of rapid reporting and response.”
“The animals likely came into the Mississippi Sound during Hurricane Sally, after becoming disoriented in the Gulf,” said ALMMSN Stranding Coordinator Mackenzie Russell. “We often see an increase in offshore species of dolphins and whales stranding after large storm events. Unfortunately, these dolphins stranded in a remote marsh location that delayed their discovery and reporting to the stranding network.”
According to information provided by the Sea Lab, Atlantic spotted dolphins usually are found along the continental shelf and in deeper waters offshore. They’re smaller than the bottlenose dolphins commonly seen in coastal waters and are rarely found stranded. Alabama’s last documented Atlantic spotted dolphin stranding was in January 2018.
The body of an Atlantic spotted dolphin lies in marsh grass on Dauphin Island, where several of the animals apparently became stranded after Hurricane Sally.Courtesy Dauphin Island Sea Lab