On 22 June 2007,  “FB28”, a 42-year-old male Sarasota Bay resident dolphin first identified in the 1970’s, was seen entangled in monofilament fishing line. Photos revealed the line was tightly wrapped three times from the leading edge of the dorsal fin to its tail fluke.  “FB28” also suffers from a condition called lobomycosis, a fungal infection causing large white lesions to protrude from the skin.  The fishing line appeared to be caught on some of the lesions and was beginning to cut into the dorsal fin, as well as pull on the fluke (Figure 1).  The dolphin was observed with this entanglement five times through early July.  The tension on the fluke was considered a serious threat to the life of the dolphin, and a rescue effort was planned.

Figure 1.  “FB28” with monofilament line cutting into his dorsal fin and leading to his fluke.

       On 6 July a rescue team was able to cut the line just behind “FB28’s” dorsal fin using an extendable cutting tool while the dolphin swam freely.  This removed the tension but the dolphin evaded attempts to approach again and remove the line entirely.  Since the rescue, “FB28” has been seen eight times.  Follow up observations have shown no line on “FB28’s” dorsal fin and a small amount of line trailing from the fluke.  However on two occasions several months later, “FB28”  was seen cooperatively “fish-whacking” with “FB48”, the oldest known male in the area.  Fish-whacking is a foraging behavior that involves striking a fish with a rapid movement of the fluke, sometimes sending the fish into the air.  It could not be determined if any line remained on the fluke, but it is encouraging that he can still use his fluke so actively.
            Finding “FB28” for the disentanglement, as well as for follow up monitoring, involved the efforts our Earthwatch survey teams, staff, interns, and graduate students.  Funding for rescue efforts was provided by NOAA’s Fisheries Service.