On March 2, 2005, more than 70 rough tooth dolphins stranded in Marathon Key, Florida. On April 20, two of those dolphins were released back to the wild.
Scientists have not yet determined the cause of the stranding.
One of those dolphins, dubbed "Notch" by his rescuers, was equipped with a satellite tracking tag by the Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP).
Rescue and Treatment
The March 2 rescue was a cooperative effort involving the United States Coast Guard, the Marine Mammal Conservancy, the Florida Keys Marine Mammal Rescue Team, and the Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS).
MARS volunteers provided 24-hour care to two of the dolphins, “Notch” and “Naia,” during their seven-week rehabilitation.
“Notch” and “Naia” are reported to be the first two animals released from the 70 that stranded.
Tracking
The Aquarium provided a satellite tracking tag in an effort to learn as much as possible about these animals. Monitoring and technical support is provided with assistance from Whalenet.
David Schofield, the Aquarium's Manager of Ocean Health Programs, traveled to Florida to attach the tag with the MARS team.
"Very little is known about this species," he explained. Tracking animals helps scientists learn whether the rehabilitation was successfual and can also reveal insights into the behavior and habits of marine animals.
Transmissions from the tag ended on June 7, perhaps the result of the tag falling off or being damaged.
Scientists were optimistic about the information they received and consider Notch's return to the wild a success. The dolphin often remained fairly close to shore, about 25 miles, a behavior that has been observed in other dolphins in the past.
The fact that the animal never attempted to come ashore indicates that he was foraging well and matriculating to the wild.
Additionally, the dolphin reacted healthily to weather patterns in the area. The tropics heated up a few times during the weeks of tracking, and the early effects of the hurricane season could have caused problems for the animal. But no dangerous signs were recorded, and Notch appears to be thriving!
The following map demonstrates Notch's travels between April 20 and June 7, 2005.
