Dolphin Tales: Entanglement

Capt. Cathy Eagle. PHOTO PROVIDED

Entanglement in monofilament line is a common endangerment to our local bottlenose dolphin, as well as other wildlife. Recently, the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, a program associated with the Chicago Zoological Society, received reports about a calf in the Naples/Marco Island area whose tail flukes were entangled in fishing line. When the entanglement was determined to be life-threatening, the Sarasota Research Program led a rescue operation to remove the fishing gear and save the dolphin calf's life.

On April 25, a team of 49 people on nine boats met on Marco Island in search of the calf and its mom. Mom and calf were found feeding along seawalls at Isle of Capri in Capri Pass. The passes can be very turbulent when the tide is moving so the team had to wait for the dolphins to move to calmer water before attempting the rescue. Hours later the calf and mom moved into shallow water allowing the team to enter the water and attempt the rescue.

Upon entering the water, the team was able to examine the calf's mom – a dolphin named Skipper who had been rescued from her own entanglement in 2014. Her wounds were well-healed. Skipper's brother Seymour was also rescued from entanglement in 2012, and Skipper's niece, Arial, was rescued in 2019. Fergie, the young calf, was freed of entanglement on this day.

There are many organizations and agencies involved in these rescues. It is a team effort.

Involved in this rescue were FWC's Southwest Field Lab, FWC's Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab, Mote Marine Laboratory's Stranding Investigations Program, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine, SeaWorld Orlando, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve and the Collier County Sheriff's Office.

I have been involved in the rescue of two manatees. These rescues are not easy. You are dealing with a wild marine animal who is frightened, injured, very large and powerful. It takes a team of experienced experts. The good news is that we can all help prevent these injuries.

If you are an angler, please avoid using braided line, make sure your tackle and gear are in good shape and won't easily break off, be sure to remove line caught in the mangroves (birds can also become entangled) and stow used line where it cannot blow out of your boat when underway.

Capt. Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating in our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in dolphin and nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call/text 239-994-2572. Welcome aboard!

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