Saving Individuals

Sometimes, because of human activities, wild dolphins get in trouble. It may happen if a dolphin gets tangled in fishing gear, or with a rope from a crab trap, or even in human clothing.

If the situation threatens the dolphin’s life, we will obtain permission from the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct, a dolphin rescue. If the dolphin requires treatment, it will be taken to a dolphin rehabilitation facility.

Once the dolphin has recovered, it will be released. We then follow its movements and behavior in the wild to monitor how well the it is doing.

All photos © Sarasota Dolphin Research Program under NMFS permit #522-1785

: FB28 tangled in monofilament fishing line, which restricted his movement and threatened his health.

: Satellite-linked transmitter on Betty, a Risso’s dolphin released 100 nautical miles offshore

: Mother (SRCA), with her entangled calf. Fishing line is cutting into the calf’s dorsal fin.

Saving Individuals