The Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network led the response to a live-stranded rough-toothed dolphin on the beach in Gulf Shores near Sea and Suds on Wednesday, June 3. The ALMMSN is the only permitted marine mammal response network in Alabama. Partners from Orange Beach Coastal Resources, Gulf Shores Police Department, Gulf State Park, and Gulf Shores Fire Rescue assisted in the response.

The ALMMSN team transported the dolphin for assessment by a veterinarian and a team of experienced marine mammal experts. With NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service approval, it was determined that euthanasia was the most humane course of action to ease the dolphin’s suffering.

“When a live dolphin strands on the beach, especially an offshore species such as the rough-toothed dolphin, the prognosis is always guarded,” ALMMSN Stranding Coordinator Mackenzie Russell said. “These animals strand for a reason, usually illness or injury, and are often in poor health condition. In these cases, humane euthanasia is the best and most compassionate outcome for the stranded animal.”

Rough-toothed dolphins live in deep oceanic tropical waters and travel in tight-knit groups of approximately 10 to 20 individuals. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

To report a stranded marine mammal, contact 1-877-WHALE-HELP.

About Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) is a cooperative regional stranding network partner that works with NOAA’s National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to dolphin and whale strandings in Alabama. ALMMSN also works closely with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to respond to manatee strandings in Alabama and Mississippi as well as provide aid to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the Florida panhandle when needed. Our network is a nonprofit organization currently funded by a grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation to establish and enhance a regional stranding collaboration among the Dauphin Island Sea Lab’s Manatee Sighting Network, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), US Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and other local regional partners.