Subject: Dolphin Mass Stranding on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA (fwd)

Mike Williamson (pita@www1.wheelock.edu)
Thu, 19 Feb 1998 07:34:34 -0500 (EST) 

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---------- Forwarded message ----------
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 1998 09:07:58 -0500
From: Dana Hartley <Dana.Hartley@noaa.gov>
Reply-To: Marine Mammals Research and Conservation Discussion
     <MARMAM@UVVM.UVIC.CA>
To: MARMAM@UVVM.UVIC.CA
Subject: Dolphin Mass Stranding on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, USA


     Beginning on Thursday January 28, and continuing through Saturday
     January 31, 1998,
     94 dolphins stranded and died on over approximately 25 miles of
     coastline between Dennis and Wellfleet, Massachusetts on Cape Cod.
     This mass stranding was composed of both white-sided dolphins
     (Lagenorhynchus acutus) n= 78 , and common dolphins (Delphinus
     delphis) n=16.

     Efforts launched by many volunteers were instrumental in rescue
     attempts.  It's presently believed that strong winds, abnormally high
     tides, and the irregular features of the coastline were factors that
     likely contributed to the stranding.

     The National Marine Fisheries Service would like to extend special
     appreciation to the NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM and to ALL the individuals
     from the agencies named below that helped with the response effort and
     subsequent scientific sampling and salvage.

     Cape Marine Animal Rescue and Conservation
     Center for Coastal Studies
     Dennis Department of Natural Resources
     Harvard University
     International Wildlife Coalition
     International Fund For Animal Welfare
     Massachusetts Audubon Society
     Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
     National Marine Fisheries Service - Woods Hole
     National Park Service - Cape Cod National Seashore
     Northeastern University
     Triton Regional High School
     Tufts University
     University of Massachusetts Amherst
     U.S. Coast Guard
     Wellfleet Shellfish Department
     Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
     Local veterinarians and staff
     Numerous town officials
     and countless concerned citizens from Cape Cod


     If there's anyone I've overlooked anyone please let me know.

     Dana Hartley, National Marine Fisheries Service, Northeast Region
     Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network Coordinator
     E-Mail: Dana.Hartley@noaa.gov