Date: November 14, 2007

Contact: Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Foundation Director/Senior Biologist

631-369-9840

rdigiovanni@riverheadfoundation.org

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation and Stony Brook University Marine Science Students released “Seabreeze”, a male offshore bottlenose dolphin. Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Foundation Director/Senior Biologist, for the Riverhead Foundation announced that, “this unique opportunity and learning experience starts a new chapter for Marine Science students and hands-on learning.” “Seabreeze” was released on November 12 at 1:50 pm with much celebration to waters approximately 20 miles SE of Shinnecock Inlet. “Over the 20 mile course at sea, the students were being trained to perform different tasks associated with marine mammal rehabilitation, release and research,” said DiGiovanni.

"Seabreeze" and the students made their journey to sea aboard the RV Seawolf, an 80 ft research vessel operated by the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences at Stony Brook University. "We are very pleased to assist the Riverhead Foundation in this dual humanitarian and research effort" said the school's dean, David Conover. "The knowledge gained from tracking this satellite-tagged dolphin will help us understand the fate of rehabilitated animals after release and how they re-adapt to the wild".

“Seabreeze”, a nine-foot long offshore bottlenose dolphin, was rescued from the shallow, murky waters of a Bellmore canal on July 21, 2007. The rescue was a community effort involving residents, the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables, Nassau County Police and the local EMS team and biologists from the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation. ““Seabreeze’s” rescue was a community effort,” said DiGiovanni, “and we wouldn’t want his release to be any different. We’ve relied on the public to be our eyes and hears for the marine mammals and sea turtles in New York waters. Now it’s time to give them the information and tools necessary to perform this task more efficiently. Community involvement is key to developing citizen scientists and finding out more about what’s in our backyard.“

Photos are available of “Seabreeze’s” release. Press will also have an opportunity to interview Foundation Director and Senior Biologist, Robert DiGiovanni, Jr. after the release and discuss “Seabreeze’s” journey from start to finish. For more information or to schedule and interview, call the office at (631) 369-9840.

Individuals can find out more about “Seabreeze’s” journey by visiting the Riverhead Foundation’s website www.riverheadfoundation.org. We’ve updated “Seabreeze’s” adoption package! Adopt “Seabreeze” now and receive a photo of his release, an 11” dolphin stuffed animal and a copy of his map. To adopt a dolphin, whale, seal or sea turtle call 631-369-9840, visit the rescue center located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium in Riverhead or the Riverhead Foundation website at www.riverheadfoundation.org.