Cape Cod Witnesses Largest Dolphin Mass Stranding in US History

Rescuers have confirmed that the mass stranding of dolphins on Cape Cod, which began on June 28, is the largest such event in US history. The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) led the rescue efforts and reported that 146 dolphins were involved.

A final review of data and aerial imagery revealed that 102 dolphins survived the multi-day event. There were 37 natural deaths, and seven dolphins had to be euthanised. This stranding surpasses previous records in Hawaii and the Florida Keys.

Challenges Faced by Rescuers

Rescuers faced numerous challenges while trying to guide the dolphins back to open water. Difficult mud conditions and the large area over which the dolphins were spread out made the task arduous. Workers initially herded the dolphins on foot into deeper waters before using small boats equipped with underwater pingers to attract them.

Several dolphins died at The Gut, a frequent stranding site in Wellfleet, due to its hook-like shape and extreme tidal fluctuations. "This stranding response was a tremendous effort for our staff, volunteers, and partners over multiple days," said IFAW communications director Stacey Hedman.

Continued Rescue Efforts

Response efforts continued on a smaller scale, including rescuing, relocating, and releasing nine Atlantic white-sided dolphins on July 2. On that day, 11 dolphins were found stranded near Powers Landing in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. Two were euthanised, and nine were transported in a custom-built mobile dolphin rescue clinic vehicle for treatment before being released near Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown.

Satellite tags tracked several of these animals safely offshore. Hedman noted that some of these dolphins have been seen swimming among other groups of hundreds of dolphins that had not been part of the stranding.

Support from Various Organisations

The overall rescue effort included more than 25 staff from IFAW and 100 trained volunteers. The group also received support from Whale and Dolphin Conservation, the Centre for Coastal Studies, AmeriCorps of Cape Cod, and the New England Aquarium.

There is no definitive reason why the dolphins became stranded. However, experts believe that The Gut's shape and tidal fluctuations contribute to frequent strandings in that area. Despite these challenges, with about a 70 per cent survival rate, IFAW considers the response a success.

"This stranding response was a tremendous effort for our staff, volunteers, and partners over multiple days," Hedman said. The organisation has also received reports from whale watching vessels that have seen some of the rescued dolphins swimming among other groups.

The Cape Cod event marks a significant moment in marine rescue history due to its scale and complexity. The collaborative efforts of various organisations played a crucial role in ensuring the survival of many dolphins involved in this unprecedented stranding event.