Dolphins

In July 2006, a Sarasota Bay resident juvenile male dolphin named Scrappy was observed entangled in a men’s Speedo bathing suit, and the suit had worked its way back to the point where it was cutting deeply into his pectoral fins.

He survived a Speedo; 20 years later, Scrappy the Sarasota dolphin is still making waves

Clinton Engelberger/Suncoast Searchlight

Two decades ago this summer, a bottlenose dolphin made international headlines after he was spotted swimming through Sarasota Bay wearing an extra-large men’s Speedo. The dolphin, named Scrappy, was found caught in the swimsuit, unable to escape as the fabric cut deep into his soft, gray skin. Today, Scrappy is still alive, still swimming in Sarasota Bay — and thanks to researchers who freed him — helping tell a much bigger story about dolphin conservation.

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Environment

Toxic algae taking a toll on Florida’s dolphins

WGCU News

A new study shows how algae blooms can infiltrate ecosystems populated by dolphins, creating a neurological connection between the toxic algae and the development of Alzheimer’s in dolphins.

Research involving Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium found bottlenose dolphins encountering a strong red tide will “cough” and “sneeze” in ways similar to humans with a bad cold

Environment

Bless you: Red tide can make dolphins 'cough' and 'sneeze'

Tom Bayles

Dolphins have respiratory systems that can become congested or infected, which can cause them to cough hard enough to clear the airways and remove mucus, irritants, or other substances that may be blocking the airways or causing discomfort.

NOAA Looks To Public For Tips On Recent Dolphin Deaths

Andrea Perdomo

*Editors Note: There is an image at the end of this article that some readers may find disturbing. Last week, a dolphin was found off the coast of Naples…

Red Tide Poisoning Suspected In The Latest String of Dolphin Deaths

Andrea Perdomo

An alarmingly high number of dead marine life has been washing up on Southwest Florida Beaches since Nov. 21. In Lee and Collier counties, 39 bottlenose…

Environment

What to Do for Stranded Dolphins

Julie Glenn

Dead or sickened sea life is once again washing ashore in Southwest Florida and scientist believe red tide is to blame. Since last Wednesday, 39 dolphin…

Gretchen Lovewell of Mote Marine Laboratory, left, is leading the investigation into an unusually high number of dolphin deaths in the Gulf of Mexico. Researchers are trying to figure out if red tide is the cause.

Investigation Continues As Dolphin Deaths Rise

Jeslyn Santiago

The federal government, with the help of Mote Marine Laboratory, is continuing to investigate a significant spike in dolphin deaths in the Gulf of...

The Indian River Lagoon is among Florida's hardest-hit water bodies. Photo courtesy Brevard County

Placards Posted To Save Indian River Dolphins

Madeline Ninno/WMFE

Biologists are posting hundreds of signs on the seawalls of the Indian River Lagoon in an effort to save dolphins. The placards caution visitors not to...

Research Shows Link Between Environment, Dolphin Health

Amy Green

New research reveals the critical role the environment plays in dolphin health. The study compared dolphins in the Indian River Lagoon and Charleston,…

SeaWorld To Open New Dolphin Show In Orlando

The Associated Press

SeaWorld Orlando is set to open a new dolphin show beginning this spring. SeaWorld officials announced Thursday that Dolphin Days will open April 1 ....