Dolphin Resilience

When an Indian River Lagoon (IRL) dolphin, known as JETT, entered the channel at Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute in July with severe boat strike injuries, the Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team couldn’t be sure what his fate would be.

The wounds were deep, extending from the dorsal fin to the peduncle (tail stock). In the several weeks that followed, the team continued searching for JETT during photo-identification surveys from Sebastian to Jupiter. The team spent two and a half months wondering if the dolphin they had known since 2021 had survived.

During a photo-ID survey in Sebastian, minutes before reaching the end of survey and returning to FAU Harbor Branch, a jagged dorsal fin broke the surface – it was JETT. The team saw that that JETT had not only survived, but that over the course of approximately 80 days his wounds had healed significantly.

JETT was accompanied by an adult male named TANG, with whom he is suspected to have formed a male alliance. The pair was observed traveling alongside other dolphins and foraging in the shallows near Johns Island Creek.

Identifying JETT

The MMSPA team’s primary method of tracking individuals is photo-identification – a non-invasive technique that involves photographing a dolphin’s dorsal fin. Each fin is unique, much like a human fingerprint. Although JETT’s injury drastically altered his dorsal fin, there were other clues that helped the team solve the mystery of his identity.

In addition to dorsal fins, the MMSPA team collects photographs of the whole body, noting any permanent markings or scars that can help identify animals in the field. Some of JETT’s older scars helped with identifying him.

JETT is also frequently seen associating with another known animal, an adult male named TANG. Because of the frequency that they are seen together, JETT is a suspected male, and their bond is a suspected male alliance. On the day JETT entered the canal with these new injuries, TANG was present, and when JETT was re-sighted yesterday, TANG was again by his side.

Protecting Indian River Lagoon Wildlife

Bottlenose dolphins are remarkably resilient, and JETT’s story of survival is impressive. However, not all dolphins are as lucky. The Indian River Lagoon is home to dolphins, manatees, turtles and other wildlife. By staying vigilant on the water, giving wildlife space, and obeying speed restrictions, people can all do help protect animals like JETT from boat strikes.

See a marine mammal? Remember to stay 50 yards away and admire from a distance. If marine mammals approach, shift the engine into neutral until they safely pass.

See a marine mammal in distress? Report to the FWC wildlife hotline: (888) 404-3922.

All work conducted under NOAA NMFS permit #29340. Funding for this work is granted by the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute Foundation through the Protect Wild Dolphins and Protect Florida Whales specialty license plates.