Stranding season for dolphins and sea turtles

Last week, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies responded to three dolphin strandings in Harrison County.

Unfortunate, but not uncommon during the spring. There is typically an increase in strandings as more dolphins flock to the warm waters of the Mississippi Sound to give birth.

If you do encounter a sick or deceased dolphin, call the IMMS Response Team at 1-888-SOS-Dolphon.

Time is very crucial in these situations and to help them locate the animals take a photo and give them a description of the location.

It is also important to not touch these animals as it is possible that they may be sick and you need to protect yourself. IMMS Stranding Coordinator Theresa Madrigal said, “For a dolphin, you do not want to push it back into the water. If it strands on the beach, it is actually sick and that cannot be great for their health.”

The IMMS response team does not only rescue stranded dolphins, but all sea life including sea turtles.

They also stress that if you catch a sea turtle on a hook to call them. Without medical help, it is possible for them to aspirate water.