Stranded Marine Mammal Rescue - Global
When the tide is low, the stakes are high for marine mammalsFour dolphins released back to the wild off Provincetown, MA
Four dolphins released back to the wild off Provincetown, MA
15 August 2022
© IFAW
(Cape Cod, MA – August 11, 2022) – Four dolphins were released back to the wild today in Provincetown, MA, following 24-hours of tracking along the coast and eventual stranding in Wellfleet Harbor. They were rescued in a highly coordinated response effort and released back to deeper waters, thanks to expert staff and volunteers with IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare).
IFAW received the first report of several animals close to shore off Provincetown on Wednesday afternoon. One dolphin stranded but was unfortunately pushed off by bystanders. Further human interference on land and by boat led to increased stress for the animals before responders could arrive. The team spotted the dolphins swimming farther offshore in Truro later the same day, but the tide was incoming and IFAW staff and volunteers monitored them from a distance until sunset.
“By morning light on Thursday, volunteer responders identified four common dolphins swimming near the Wellfleet Pier, and we knew something had to be done,” said Brian Sharp, IFAW’s Director of Marine Mammal Rescue & Research. “We were concerned by the animals’ behavior, the dropping tide, and given our previous experience with summer boat traffic and heat. In consultation with NOAA, we made the decision to herd the dolphins closer to shore for the best chance of a successful rescue.”
© IFAW
The dolphins were carefully coaxed toward shallow water and away from a dangerous stranding area known as Chipman’s Cove so that they could be stretchered. An expert-only endeavor, herding of the dolphins took place quickly and with minimal stress to the animals. This resulted in a successful rescue, calling on the skilled maneuvers of IFAW’s boat, a Wellfleet Harbormaster vessel, and additional staff in kayaks.
All four dolphins were transported to a deeper water release site off Provincetown, traveling in IFAW's mobile dolphin rescue clinic. This one-of-a-kind vehicle was custom designed to meet the needs of what is considered a global stranding hotspot on Cape Cod. The vehicle enables IFAW veterinarians and experts to perform health assessments and stabilize the dolphins while quickly reaching the best site for release.
The dolphins were released as a pod and swam off closely together.
© IFAW
- On CAPE COD, or along the southern coast to RI, call or text IFAW’s Stranding Hotline at (508) 743-9548
- For Plymouth, MA to Marshfield, MA: Whale and Dolphin Conservation at (617) 688-6872
- Scituate, MA to Rockport, MA and Martha’s Vineyard: NOAA at (866) 755-6622.
- NEW HAMPSHIRE to Essex, MA: Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammals Strandings at (603) 997-9448,
- MAINE: Marine Mammals of Maine (800) 532-9551
- NANTUCKET: Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (833) 667-6626
© IFAW
About IFAW
IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) is a global non-profit helping animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and release animals, and we restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we’re up against are urgent and complicated. To solve them, we match fresh thinking with bold action. We partner with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together, we pioneer new and innovative ways to help all species flourish. See how at ifaw.org
Press Contact:
Stacey Hedman
Communications Director
Yarmouth Port, MA
m: +1 508 737 2558
e: shedman@ifaw.org
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