Originally posted Wed, 2009-12-23 04:11
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Courtesy photo/WKMG Local 6. Marine biologists examine the carcass of an adult-spotted dolphin that washed ashore Dec. 22, just south of the South Jetty in New Smyrna Beach.
NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Early Tuesday surfers discovered the washed up carcass of an adult-spotted dolphin just south of the South Jetty, the fourth such dead dolphin in the past 10 days in the vicinity.
Marine biologists are puzzled as to why the dolphins met their fate, though they may have one significant clue.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission said it found a red algae bloom several miles off the coast using satellite imagery, and that could very well be the culprit. Three bottle-nosed dolphins died last week with two of them were on the same day. Biologists from Sea World said they would not be surprised if more dolphins or other acquatic animals perish as a sea turtle did last week as well.
"It's suspect that there could be something going on," marine biologist Wendy Durden said. "The first animal did have a stomach packed full of undigested fish and it was in good body condition, which indicated it was healthy."