8 Dolphins Dead After Washing Ashore in New Jersey
Eight dolphins have died after being stranded on two beaches in New Jersey on Tuesday (March 21), according to an animal rescue and rehabilitation center, per ABC.
According to Sea Isle City officials, the sea creatures washed up on 50th and 52nd Street beaches. “The city is aware that dolphins have washed up on the 50th and 52nd Street Beaches,” the Facebook post read. “Please do not approach them. Marine Mammal Stranding Center is on the way.”
According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, two of the dolphins died on one of the beaches. The organization’s veterinarian euthanized the other six dolphins after it was determined that the sea creatures’ health was failing.
“The decision was made to humanely euthanize the dolphins to prevent further suffering, as returning them to the ocean would have only prolonged their inevitable death,” Marine Mammal Stranding Center said in a statement on Facebook.
“We share in the public’s sorrow for these beautiful animals and hope that the necropsies will help us understand the reason for their stranding,” Marine Mammal Stranding Center said.
Other Marine Deaths
This comes after another dolphin was found dead on a beach in Monmouth County last week. That was the eighth dolphin to end up dead in the Leonardo State Marina section of Monmouth County since February. Some are pointing fingers to offshore wind research, though scientists say there’s no connection there. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection says that there is no credible evidence’ offshore wind power projects are killing whales
“The people of New Jersey deserve better than to have local rule and input categorically dissed as we have already seen in Cape May and Ocean City and Sea Girt in my district will likely be next,” Rep. Chris Smith said per News12 New Jersey. “Our well-founded concerns… including 30 shore mayors who signed a letter admonishing a pause—should not be trivialized, mocked or dismissed.”
