FAU Harbor Branch Assists with Dolphin Rescue
An Indian River Lagoon Dolphin was Successfully Disentangled in Brevard
FAU Harbor Branch’s Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment Team recently assisted with a successful dolphin rescue in Brevard County. On July 22, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute began monitoring a young dolphin that was spotted with fishing line wrapped around her tail. The dolphin was suffering from severe injuries due to the entanglement. Without intervention, her fate was precarious. On Aug. 11, FAU Harbor Branch joined a multi-institute rescue team led by Hubbs. Working together, the group successfully removed the fishing gear, treated the dolphin’s wounds and immediately released her into the Eau Gallie River. The dolphin even got a new name --“RONY,” in recognition of the volunteer named Rhonda who spotted her on rescue day.
Other organizations that participated in the rescue were NOAA Fisheries, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Seaworld, University of Florida, Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, Mote Marine Lab and Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
FAU Harbor Branch’s marine mammal team is on call around the clock, year-round to answer calls like the one that led to RONY’s rescue. The team rescues local dolphins in Indian River, St. Lucie and Martin counties and travels throughout Florida to assist partners with their stranding and rescue missions.