Dauphin Island Sea Lab: DISL's Marine Mammal Research Program Collaborates Across The Gulf Coast

Press release from the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab:

A 29-foot female sperm whale was found stranded on Shell Island near Panama City, Florida on Sunday, June 6. (Courtesy Gulf World Marine Institute) Dr. Jennifer Bloodgood assisted with the live rescue of an out of habitat dolphin near Pecan Island in west Louisiana. (Courtesy Audubon Nature Institute)

June 16, 2021

Two members of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) assisted with the sperm whale necropsy in Panama City, Florida. The 29-foot female sperm whale was found stranded on Shell Island on Sunday, June 6, and passed away overnight before responders could arrive on the scene. ALMMSN Stranding Coordinator Mackenzie Russell and Assistant Stranding Coordinator Cristina Clark joined a multi-agency group on Wednesday, June 9 to assist with the necropsy. ALMMSN staff were able to use their previous experience in large whale response, most recently the sperm whale that stranded in Mobile Bay last November, to assist with necropsy techniques, setup, and logistics. This necropsy also allowed ALMMSN staff to expand their knowledge and expertise. 

This press release was produced by the Estuarium at Dauphin Island Sea Lab. The views expressed here are the author’s own.