Study

Diving behavior and at-sea movements of an Atlantic spotted dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico

  • Published source details Davis R.W., Worthy G.A.J., Würsig B., Lynn S.K. & Townsend F.I. (1996) Diving behavior and at-sea movements of an Atlantic spotted dolphin in the Gulf of Mexico. Marine Mammal Science, 12, 569-581.

Actions

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

Action Category

Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

Action Link
Marine and Freshwater Mammal Conservation
  1. Rehabilitate and release injured, sick or weak marine and freshwater mammals

    A study in 1995 of a pelagic area in the Gulf of Mexico, USA (Davis et al. 1996) found that a stranded Atlantic spotted dolphin Stenella frontalis that was rehabilitated and released back into the wild survived for at least one month. The adult male dolphin was successfully tracked for 28 days after release before the transmitter detached. During that time, the dolphin travelled at least 1,711 km at an average rate of 72 km/day. He moved along 300 km of coast at an average distance of 52 km from the shore and made regular dives (average 698 dives/day). The dolphin was found stranded on an island on 10 February 1995 and transported to a rehabilitation facility. He was housed in a pool (7 m wide, 1.5 m deep) and fed fish (10 kg/day). On 17 March 1995, the dolphin was satellite-tagged and released 16 km offshore. He was tracked to 124 locations during 28 days in March–April 1995.

    (Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)

Output references
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