Date: November 13, 2007

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

631-369-9840

rdigiovanni@riverheadfoundation.org

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation released “Seabreeze” a male offshore bottlenose dolphin. Robert DiGiovanni, Jr., Foundation Director/Senior Biologist, for the Riverhead Foundation announced that following three months of care at the Riverhead Foundation’s hospital facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium, “Seabreeze” was released on November 12 at 1:50 pm with much celebration to waters approximately 20 miles SE of Shinnecock Inlet. As of November 14, “Seabreeze” is heading south of the Hudson Canyon.

“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” was initially diagnosed with severe gastritis, the then 470-pound dolphin was also critically underweight and suffering from dehydration. After three months of intensive care, “Seabreeze”, now 700 pounds, and has made his journey back to the sea.

"Seabreeze" made his 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".

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.