Latest news with #marineexperts
Daily Mail
15-05-2025
- Daily Mail
Horror as decapitated DOLPHIN is found on picturesque beach after 'intentional mutilation'
A mutilated dolphin that was 'intentionally' decapitated was found washed up on a North Carolina beach, prompting a federal investigation and a monetary reward for information leading to the culprit. Last month, a passerby reported finding a dead bottlenose dolphin stranded on the remote, underdeveloped Lea-Hutaff barrier island, situated just north of Wilmington and accessible only by boat. However, scientists from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington quickly realized that the dolphin's death was not natural, but a criminal act, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Upon their arrival, marine experts described the eight-foot sea animal as having been 'intentionally mutilated' with 'its head removed' - a discovery that prompted authorities to launch an investigation and offer a reward of up to $20,000. 'We are asking the public for any information about who may have been involved,' NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement said in a statement. 'We are offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a criminal conviction or the assessment of a civil penalty.' On April 15, an individual called the Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline to report a dead, stranded dolphin that had washed ashore on Lea Island, near marker 105. Scientists with the University of North Carolina at Wilmington - who are part of a national program that coordinates emergency responses to marine mammals - were called to the scene, as they handle cases involving sick, injured, distressed or dead marine life. At the remote location, the experts encountered a massive, eight-foot dolphin, whose death was clearly the result of foul play. Based on their findings, officials believe that the bottlenose dolphin's head had been removed between April 16 and April 18, following the initial report. 'This animal was intentionally decapitated, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act,' NOAA officials said. Under the act, it is illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed or collect body parts of protected species - with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail. During their initial health assessment on the dolphin, university scientists suspected it was carrying Brucella, a bacteria responsible for the infectious bacterial disease, Brucellosis. The disease primarily affects cattle, swine, goats, sheep and dogs, and can be transmitted to humans through direct contact with infected animals, inhalation of airborne agents or consumption of contaminated animal products, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Scientists ultimately conducted a necropsy on the dolphin. However, the complete findings and definitive cause of death are still pending. After the horrific discovery, officials from the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement swiftly issued a $20,000 reward, calling on the public to assist in identifying the individual responsible for the mutilation of the protected sea creature. The crime is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which makes it illegal to harass, harm, kill, feed or collect body parts of protected species, with violations potentially leading to civil or criminal prosecution, fines of up to $100,000 and one year in jail 'The remote location where the dolphin was found adds to the difficulty of investigating this incident and cause of death,' officials explained in the statement. 'We are calling on your help to find those responsible.' Anyone with information regarding the case is asked to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800)-853-1964. Although tips can be submitted anonymously, those seeking to claim the reward must include their name and contact information. Last year, the butchered remains of a dolphin were discovered on a New Jersey beach. In November of 2024, federal authorities were called to the scene in Allenhurst, where they found that the animal's flesh had been 'completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin and flukes'. The dolphin's organs, except for the heart and lungs, had also been removed. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center quickly released a disturbing image of the mutilated carcass lying on a metal gurney before it was carried away for an investigation. It was ultimately identified as a common dolphin, which is not listed as a threatened or endangered species. However, the NOAA still launched an investigation into the death, seeking to find the perpetrator of the crime that carries penalties of substantial fines and up to one year in prison. The night before the grisly discovery, a common dolphin was reportedly struggling in the surf a block away. Witnesses said the dolphin managed to make it over the sandbar and swim out to sea. Yet it remains unknown whether the dolphin that was butchered was the same animal seen by the witnesses. Although the common dolphin is not considered an endangered species, the sea creature is still protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Whale beached on Hilton Head Island this weekend. How and why it likely washed up on shore
Those in the Savannah area were part of a unique but tragic scene. A sperm whale was beached on the shore of Hilton Head Island over the weekend. Why did this happen and what do we know? What happened with the sperm whale on Hilton Head Island? Hilton Head Island's government posted updates and photos of the scene on Facebook. As of Sunday morning, the whale was alive, but euthanasia had been determined to be the most humane option. Marine animal experts tried to keep it comfortable while the euthanasia was transported in from Florida. It was sedated and euthanized later that night. Where did the sperm whale come from? Sperm whales have one of the widest global distributions of any marine mammal species and can be found in any deep ocean around the world, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Migrations are not very predictable with some populations having different patterns based on their life status, with adult males making long oceanographic migrations into temperate waters whereas females and young stay in tropical waters year-round. Hilton Head's government said the whale likely drifted hundreds of miles before reaching the shoreline. Why did the sperm whale beach itself? Also known as "stranding," the beaching of a single whale is normally due to sickness or injury, according to the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida. Ingesting human debris and trash has historically been an issue here. Another way humans may cause beachings is through loud, man-made sounds that disrupt animals with echolocation, including sperm whales. Bad weather, old age, navigation errors, and hunting too close to shore also contribute to beachings. Hilton Head's government said they believe the whale was severely emaciated. A necropsy will be conducted to identify the whale's exact cause of death. Afterwards, it will be respectfully buried. Do sperm whales live together? Sperm whales are often spotted in groups (called pods) of some 15 to 20 animals, according to National Geographic. Pods include females and their young, while males may roam solo or move from group to group. The beached whale was reportedly a juvenile, but we don't know its gender yet. Are sperm whales endangered? NOAA lists the following conservation statuses for sperm whales: Endangered Species Act: "Endangered" Marine Mammal Protection Act: "Protected" Marine Mammal Protection Act: "Depleted" Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on X and Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@ This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Why did a sperm whale wash up on Hilton Head Island shore? What to know
