HBOI Partners with Other Agencies to Help a Mother Dolphin

FAU Harbor Branch's Marine Mammal Research & Conservation (MMRC) team recently played a role in helping rescue a mother dolphin who was entangled in a crab pot line and buoy. HBOI's Dolphin ID team identified her as "Nip Tuck," a dolphin who they've been following since 2003. NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service Southeast Regional Stranding Network had received several calls from boaters in the Indian River Lagoon who noticed Nip Tuck and her calf swimming with a line wrapped around her body, dragging a buoy behind her. On Monday, MMRC team members joined the NOAA-led rescue effort with the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, Hubbs Sea World Research Institute, the University of Florida, Georgia Aquarium and Clearwater Marine Aquarium to safely capture Nip Tuck and her calf and remove the line. Both mom and baby were evaluated, deemed healthy and released back into the lagoon. This is one example of the type of rescue work which is supported by proceeds from the sales of Florida’s Protect Wild Dolphins specialty license plate.