Dolphins in Northwest Creek

Contact: Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr. Foundation Director/Senior Biologist  (631) 369-9840 rdigiovanni@riverheadfoundation.org

Riverhead Foundation Will Monitor Northwest Creek Dolphins

Through the Weekend

Authorities Ask the Public to give Animals Space

A team of experts from the Riverhead Foundation will monitor the condition and behavior of three common dolphins swimming in Northwest Creek.  Federal dolphin specialists and other authorities at NOAA’s Fisheries Service have agreed that allowing the dolphins to behave as naturally as possible is the best strategy for now.

 “The dolphins were observed chasing fish and are not exhibiting any physical signs of distress.  We’ll be watching for any changes that could indicate health problems,” stated Robert DiGiovanni, Foundation Director and Senior Biologist.  He also noted that the team would  keep tabs on food availability and water conditions such as temperature and salinity.

“It is also critical that people use good wildlife watching practices while observing the dolphins or using the creek.  That means keeping your distance, not feeding or getting into the water with them, using slow, safe speeds if you are boating, and generally not disturbing their behavior,” said DiGiovanni. 

Feeding or harassing wild marine mammals are violations of the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, punishable by civil penalties of up to $ 12,000 and criminal fines of up to $20,000 and jail time. 

DiGiovanni said that his team learned a great deal from last winter’s appearance of 20 common dolphins in this same area, when the group spearheaded an effort to move them to safer waters. The Riverhead Foundation is consulting a range of federal, state, and local authorities now to plan for contingencies if the dolphins need help.  However, DiGiovanni said any kind of human intervention also carries risks. “It’s difficult, not always successful, and highly stressful to both the animals and to the people trying to do it,” he said.

 He also noted that in comparison to the January event, there are fewer animals, warmer temperatures, and a good amount of food.  “These are all factors that favor monitoring over intervention for now.” 

Individuals can report any sightings of marine mammals to the Riverhead Foundation by calling 631-369-9840 or by sending information and photographs to sightings@riverheadfoundation.org.  Information on the dolphins and the efforts being taken to monitor them will be updated daily on the Riverhead Foundation’s website www.riverheadfoundation.org.   To learn more about NOAA Fisheries and responsible marine mammal viewing, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov

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