Necropsies Reveal New Information On 2 Bottlenose Dolphins Found Dead

AMAGANSETT, NY — New information has been revealed about two bottlenose dolphins found in Amagansett last week.

According to the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, the first was reported Friday afternoon around 2 p.m. at the end of Atlantic Avenue. The second, AMCS said, was reported Saturday around 7 a.m. at Napeague Lane.

Both were reported by members of the public, and East Hampton Town Police's marine patrol assisted. A team of AMCS biologists and volunteers also turned out to help.

Necropsies were performed by AMCS biologists and volunteers on Saturday; the animals were transferred to the East Hampton Recycling Center, and the necropsies took place from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., a release from AMCS said.

Samples were sent to a pathologist, and remains were disposed of at the recycling center.

Both the dolphins were female and sexually immature, between five and 13 years of age. The first — found at Atlantic Avenue and reported on Friday, October 6 around 2 p.m. — measured 6.9' in length and weighed about 300 lbs., AMCS said. The second — found at Napeague Lane and reported Saturday, October 7 at about 7 a.m. — measured 6.3' in length and weighed around 250 lbs., AMCS said.

Both animals had lacerations on their skin consistent with entanglement; line impressions on the right lateral tail stock of the smaller dolphin appeared consistent with roping or line associated with netting, AMCS said.

The cases are being investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Office of Law Enforcement, but AMCS said it is too early to determine the actual cause of death, as the investigation is ongoing.

"Necropsies are an important research effort that allows us to better understand different marine mammal and sea turtle species,” AMCS Chief Scientist Rob DiGiovanni said. "Without understanding why animals are washing up dead we can not make informed decisions on our impacts. For these necropsies, we believe they may be an offshore species considering the size of these bottlenose dolphins that washed up in relation to their age, as well as their body condition being free of marks commonly found on inshore dolphins. Volunteers have been invaluable in these efforts, and so far this year we have responded to 109 marine mammals and sea turtles in New York State."

Photo courtesy East Hampton Marine Patrol and AMCS.