Today I went down to the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute to help the CCSN
perform necropsies on the two dolphins that stranded yesterday. There was a team of 12 people there to help, made up of scientists, technicians, and volunteers. Everybody was really anxious to find any clues as to why the 
dolphins stranded. I assisted with the necropsy of the calf. We collected samples to be tested for contaminants, such as PCBs, mercury, and other heavy metals. We also collected samples to be tested for viral infections, including morbillivirus. Morbillivirus is an infection that causes serious disease in several species of animals and in people. The necropsy of the calf showed many different types of parasites and an irregular heart. The necropsy of the mom showed a very large abscess on her stomach, which was a sign of severe infection. She was also very emaciated, indicating that she had been sick for a long time.
The results from the samples we collected won’t come back for a few weeks. However, there are many theories as to why single dolphins strand, such as disorientation, parasitic infection, illness, natural mortality, injury, and difficulty navigating coastal waters. Even though the two dolphins stranded together, it was still considered a single stranding. These dolphins were a mother and calf pair; wherever the mother goes, the calf will follow. Therefore, since the calf was dependent on his mother, they both stranded together.
I think this incident was particularly upsetting because dolphins are mammals. People feel a kinship with them because they are a lot like us in many ways. Also, this was a mother and calf pair, which adds to the tragedy. It is, however, comforting to know that the CCSN is dedicated to helping dolphins and other marine mammals. Also, information learned from these dolphins might help save others in the future.
Posted by Christy Buckley on Dec 13, 2006
