Dead, Pregnant Dolphin Washes Up On Sea Isle City Beach

SEA ISLE CITY, NJ — A dead, pregnant dolphin washed ashore Sunday at a Sea Isle City beach. Officials took her to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory to learn more about her cause of death, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

The MMSC has only seen six Atlantic spotted dolphin strandings in its 42-year history, including this dolphin and her fetus.

Scientists estimate about 81,000 Atlantic spotted dolphins live in U.S. waters, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The worldwide population is unknown, but their range also includes the Bahamas, Brazil, the Canary Islands, the Azores Islands of Portugal and Gabon in central Africa.

Their greatest threats are entanglement, underwater noise pollution and illegal feeding and harassment, according to the NOAA.

If you see a stranded mammal or sea turtle, immediately call the MMSC at 609-266-0538.

Here is the MMSC's picture of the deceased dolphin:

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