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Subscribe to RSSMore strandings are expected after 129 dolphins beached themselves on Cape Cod in the last three weeks, with 92 dying in "the single largest stranding" of dolphins in the Northeast since at least 1999, the International Fund for Animal Welfare reported Monday.
On Sunday, four dolphins were stranded along Cape Cod's hook-shaped peninsula and were quickly helped back to sea. The Massachusetts peninsula sees many dolphin strandings each year, but the 129 since Jan. 12 is typically about what rescuers see over an entire year, based on records that go back to 1999, IFAW marine mammal rescue manager Katie Moore told msnbc.com.
"This event started on the 12th and is still continuing," she added at a press conference on Monday, noting that rescuers from IFAW and other stranding networks were deployed in "anticipation of more dolphins coming in."
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which manages the rescue response, echoed the concern.
For common dolphins, the species that has been stranding in Cape Cod, "this is the largest, most protracted stranding event in recent decades," Teri Rowles, who coordinates NOAA's Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program, told msnbc.com.
Most of the dolphins have appeared to be in good health, adding to the mystery of why so many have come ashore. Common dolphins are known to strand in groups due to their tight social structure, but given the large numbers this year, other factors such as weather and tides are being investigated.
Michael Booth / IFAW
IFAW rescuers respond to nine dolphins stranded in Brewster, Mass., on Feb. 1. All nine were able to get back out to sea.
"I don't know," Moore said when asked about causes. "It pains me to say those three words."
Asked if climate change might be a factor, Moore said she couldn't rule that out or in. As for the possibility of sonar or other human-made sounds disrupting the dolphins, she said no known sources existed inside Cape Cod.
Initial results of studies on nine of the dead dolphins "do not indicate any pattern," she noted.
40 dolphins strand along Cape Cod in mid-January
PhotoBlog of January strandings
This stranding "is not only out of the ordinary," she said, "but it takes a huge toll on our resources. It's hard labor."
Rowles noted that "Cape Cod is the hot spot in North America" for mass strandings, and that "there seems to be a lot of variability each year."
The large numbers have "made the response effort very difficult" and "left us confused about what's going on," IFAW biologist C.T. Harry earlier told NBC affiliate WHDH TV.
IFAW
IFAW's satellite tracking system shows the routes of several tagged dolphins through Jan. 26. Cape Cod is at bottom center of the map.
IFAW has tagged several dolphins that survived with satellite tracking devices to see if they are leaving the area. So far at least, they have stayed in deeper waters.
IFAW on Friday briefed some U.S. lawmakers about the mass strandings and urged Congress not to cut the federal program that helps fund stranding research and response networks nationwide.
"If scientists do not have the funds to determine the cause of a mass mortality event, there could be a threat to public health without anyone knowing," IFAW President Fred O'Regan wrote on his blog last week.
More content from msnbc.com and NBC News
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Something is causing this. The abnormal stats are too revealing. Food shortages, diseases, sonar ( US or foreign), etc... something. I doubt dolphins just became mass suicidal.
The local water are being polluted with smug from Boston and Cape area and had to get out... ;)
But really, this is an issue that really needs to be looked at... Unusual warm winter may be contributing to this anomaly.
Where's the nearest SONAR source?
.
They're sending us a message; they know that death is the only thing we understand.
@UnitedStates1776
As far as I know, the closest sonar station and Naval communications tower is in Northern Coast of Maine.
@peteMT : So long and thanks for all the fish! :)
Dolphins and some whales navigate by using earth's magnetic fields. These geomagnetic fields have been fluctuating in strength and orientation. The southern hemisphere has had an increase in dolphin and whale beaching even more so. We may be in the beginning stages of a polarity reversal of these magnetic fields that occurs about every 13,000 years or so.
I have lived on the Cape for 31 years in one of the towns that has had these beachings. The beachings have been happening for hundreds of years and maybe longer. Documentation of these beachings go back to the Pilgrims. If you look at a map of Cape Cod and Cape Cod bay you will see how the Cape stretches out in to the Atlantic in the shape of an arm. Just about every kind of fish in the Atlantic has made it's way into Cape Cod bay for it's abundances of food and once in, especially in the cooler months, the tides and predominant north wind makes it difficult to go back the way you came in leading them to rely on their sonar for a alternate route and due to the narrow land mass they might be inadvertently tricked into beaching. But what do I know?
GimDan....as long as the smug doesn't get near South Park. We're plenty used to it in Beantown.
I wonder if the Solar Maximum and recent solar flares might have anything to do with this?
http://2012wiki.com/index.php?title=Solar_Maximum
david1:
I'll meet you at the restaurant at the end of the universe!
One has to wonder if underwater changes are occurring such as shifts in the ocean floor that cause the dolpins communications with each other to be offset. What about man-made noise caused intentionally or not? What would cause a disturbance in their sonar?
It is very likely and - as I mean- most probable, that both whales and dolphins ( those like some other species orientate themselves on the geomagnetiv field) get desorientated by disturbances in the geomagnetic field I have not made a full research on that yet,( >> just comparing all whale beachings to NASA/ GOES geomag dataplots as available in the www) but just all recent whale beachings occured while the geomagnetic field was disturbed either by a CME imapcts or by effects of Coronal Holes. Those disturbances at this time occure more frequently by the maximum of the " 11 year sun spot cycle" expected in March 2013).
Sun activities strongly effecting on the geomag field are the impact of Coronal mass ejections and effects ( irregular sunwind streams) of so called " Coronal Holes" on the Sun surface. The material ejected is plasma that contains itself highest amounts of electromagnetic energy
CMEs mainly occure during this maximum, but between only in low numbers. As sun spot activity is lower than during the last maximum 2011, NASA wants to prove now, whether this is caused by a significant discharge in form of more eruptions.
However the number whale beachings gradually increased in the last years towards that max in 2013 A strong CME when impacting can push the geomag field even shortly over the poles after it lashes back and forwards comparable to a banged gong, until it has found its balance again. Esp. whales and dolphins seem to get twisted by that.
Coronal holes (CH) are only observed during the maximum, but seem to persist in between when they just are nor visible.. Coronal holes are thick layers of matter of higher density in the upper Corona, those block the emission of hot sun gases below. Thus. this pressure searches its way out by eruptions and this creates irregular sun wind streams, measured as fluctuations on satellite geomagnetometers such as GOES ACE.
to be corrected: CMEs mainly occure during this maximum, but between only in low numbers. As sun spot activity is lower than during the last maximum 2001...
thanks helmut :)
Look at the location on the map, perhaps the dolphin are just confused at where they are. If they are trying to travel southwest, they simply failed to clear the cape first......magnetically they think they are going the right way....but geographically they have goofed! The ocean is cleaner than it has been for years.
Stupid fish...
They aren't fish. Stupid human.
I'm guessing that they are smarter than you.
Are you too hateful or ignorant to know how these creatures help us? I like Dolphins better than people like you.
Occupy Cape Cod!
Maybe it's coming from the right. The Sea Party ! I knew the shape of Karl Rove's head he had to be an amphibian.
Occupy Cape Cod. They are the 99 percent of sea mammals. Now that Ted Kennedy is dead, it's safe to hit the beach.
They are the 99% of the cute population. But the 1% (otters, seals) get all the attention.
They had just watched the Patriots in the Superbowl.
Yeah, Flipper was always a big NFL fan! LoL
At least they went to the Superbowl and already won 3. In the 10 years, Brady has been playing for the Patriots, he took them to 5 Super Bowls, how many players have done that? They are probably the best team out there. Brady has had a stellar career, just like Payton Manning who is about to retire. Injury and age catches up with everyone, no one is great forever, even the best.
Perhaps not mass suicidal, but perhaps purposeful. These are intelligent creatures maybe beyond what we know. Just maybe they are trying to send a message to those who are destroying their environment?
LOL seems legit.
yeah exactly they're saying "we're outta here...so long and thanks for all the fish!"
Searching for the Iranian subs. If they are there we want to know where. Think I'm joking.
Up here in MA were are having "The Winter that wasn't". This may be confusing the shizznit out of the dolphins. In my 40+ years I have never seen such a "warm" and "dry" winter, the complete opposite of last years 10' of snow and cold temps. Last year we only got to go x-country skiing 3 times, because the snow was always too deep - or it was way too cold. This year the snow never got more than 3" at any time, too little base to ski, and the unusually warm temps are 10-20F higher and the snow melts in a few days. It will be funny if the Summer is all rain and temps 10-20F lower. The dolphins need to start watching the weather on the 11 o'clock news!!!
Dolphins, like many other of Nature's critters may be unsettled by a "disturbance" in the Earth's magnetic field, OR there may be tectonic stress levels intolerant .... since the New England area has a history of minimal seismic events. But to tag this as victim of "Global Warming" once again puts credibility at risk. A.G.W. is NOT the answer to every abnormality, and as in this case "tongue in cheek" humor does not help their plight. Dolphins, as well as Porpoises are Mammals (contrary to the "fish" compliment) -- and may react to stress equal to or far more than humans. That stress needs to be identified .... using the migratory patterns from the tracking devices ... surrounding water temperatures, seismic incidents .. and an overlap of any fluctuation or deviation in the Planet's Magnetic Field. According to IRIS Seismic Monitor the entire western edge of the 'Ring of Fire" is getting more active ... perhaps there are also unknown factors of seismic stress in the New England area ... it is going to take many more Disciplines to research this .. but if we happen to encounter an unusual amount of bird deaths in that area ... it is best to check the magnetic field of the planet. It IS 2012! Maybe more "clues" will avail.
Don't forget the huge numbers of birds that have fallen from the skies over the past year. They fly along Earth's magnetic lines also. These deaths have been noted in different areas of the U. S. Also, some migration paths of butterflies have changed recently.
More likely due to the shifting poles.
What does this have to do with Polish people moving about? Occupy Krakow. Maybe it is just the 1% of Dolphins calling it quits and letting socialism rule the oceans.
Anyone have an idea of Navy maneuvers in the area? Many of these events are caused the power sonar.
We "so" need those manuevers too, there are just so many navies more powerful than our navy. :-\ Sarcasm was ON for that last statement.
Don't know about you but i rather have our country look strong against other countries not have 1 or 2 other countires decide to team up on us and hit us cause they can pull together a stronger navy!
ok statement seems to be to much so really what i mean is that we don't need to cut down our forces even more, what i hear is that retirement age is going down for the military so that they can make the military smaller, heard this from rotc airforce guys in bgsu. don't know if it is true or not but like i said want our country to look strong and never look weak.
back to the dolphins, best to research this and find out why this is happening and find the best way to fix it. can't just go makeing statements that it's sonar, trash, climate change, might be one, all , or none, might be something out of the ordinary.
knowledge is power..mind my grammer.
Acting out of fear does not show much trust in your country being strong. We were strong without sonar idiocy killing whales. In fact be better we disappear rather than them, all we do is cause environmental damage and trash like that as you said...ignorance is bliss right?
Seismic rumblings are, perhaps, more likely than the sonar pings. Remember the tiny earthquake that did damage in Washington? Not only are dolphins sensitive to sonar, they may be as sensitive to these rumbling or, maybe, more so. Also note that even minor rumblings may cause a small aberration in the magnetic fields.
Seismic? No, I think the Navy have a few secrets that could explain all beachings from Maine to Florida. The price we pay for living in a violent world. There is a channel between 100 - 200 meter depth that all sea mammals use for communication. Unfortunately all the Navies of the world also use for their communications. Where there is smoke there is a fire.
It's actually quite simple. Dolphins have a small speck of a material - similar to lodestone - embedded in their heads. It is sensitive to magnetism and acts similar to a GPS. Unfortunately, the magnetic north pole, over time, has moved. The last I was aware, it had moved from somewhere in Quebec north about 700 miles.
This is giving dolphins and many species of birds, pilot whales, insects, etc...a slightly different reading every year. When they alter their migratory routes, they either encounter obstacles or arrive unexpectadly in some new place.
As I see more and more people wonder what is causing this, it occurred to me that the Cape is only 10,000 years old. Dolphins are 11 million years old and their instincts were programmed well before the Cape was formed. Perhaps this stranding is caused by their instincts saying "stay close to the coast" whether they are traveling north or south. Those instincts would have been perfectly fine before the Cape. There are strandings every year, the volume is higher this year, but maybe there are more dolphins this year due to breeding. Anyway, I think the problem is analogous to out of date GPS maps. Of course, even if this is the problem, how do you reprogram Dolphin instincts without waiting for evolution to take care of it. In this case, evolution has been working for 10,000 years and they still don't get it. Just wanted to share that perspective. I hope scientists find something, it is heartbreaking.
Don't let the dolphins go to waste. Dig some barbecue pits and fire those babies up. We could all enjoy a mid-winter dolphin roast.
It's obvious what's going on here! The dolphins are trying to evolve and grow legs!
lol
So long, and thanks for all the fish.
Ya beat me to it! Had to be a Douglas Adams fan out there...
In memory of Ted Kennedy...
Maybe the dolphins heard Barney and his partner are getting married and figured it would be safe to go on the beach without being molested.
So long and thanks for all the fish!!
With the Sun's activity peaking soon on it's 11 year cycle, I wouldn't be suprised if disturbences in the Earth's Magnetic Field could be at play here due to the sun. Did we not just experience a glancing blow of fairly large CME (Coronal Mass Ejection)? ... and the last occurance of such a mass stranding was about the time of the last Sun activity peak back in '99? I'm no astrologist, but does that not make sense?
Keep your sensible thoughts to yourself, SkaireKrowe ... that rationale works against the climate change promotion agenda.
What climate change promotion agenda?
Are you referring to the truth?
There has been years of research on the correlation of solar cycles and relational values on climate change; though, that wasn't my point. I wouldn't think that it goes against any agenda, and; in fact, would contribute as another variable. Such quasi-periodicity in solar activity results in an expected cycle of situations and phases that are not random events.
source: Wiley - Blackwell (2008, December 2). Sun's Magnetic Field May Impact Weather and Climate: Sun Cycle Can Predict Rainfall Fluctuations. ScienceDaily.
Wait, were there any Japanese Fishing Boats in the area? "F---ka You Dolfeens!!!"... (South Park episode)
..:: "On a recent trip to the U.S. University of Southern Maine in Portland, Dr John Wise shared his new research into the way toxic industrial contaminants from the chemical industry are entering into dolphins and whales worldwide.
He explained how industrial waste chemicals, like PCBs, mercury and chromium, just a few of the deadly carcinogens, which induce lung cancers in humans, are routinely released from chemical processing plants around the world.
While the whales are traveling on their migratory routes, which pass near by industrial plants on the coast, and whales even inhale and absorb the industrial chemicals from the air because they breathe so deeply at the Ocean's surface.
The result is causing many devastating changes to the immune system, fertility, damaging the DNA, and creating a multitude of birth defects among whales, similar to autism and Down’s syndrome in humans.
In another recent and tragic case, a group of seven sperm whales stranded themselves on a Mediterranean beach. There they were unable to feed on squid. And since whales get their liquid from their food, they began to dehydrate.
As their starving bodies began to break down the stored fat — unleashing a deadly toxic effect. The pollutants absorbed from the industrial waste dumped into rivers/oceans for decades has been deposited in the whale's fat, and the toxic chemicals were released back into the whales blood circulation with even more toxic effects.
These industrial chemicals include heavy metals such as mercury, lead and cadmium, and organochlorines like PCBs and DDTs, even fire-retardants used on modern carpets, clothes, plastics and household furnishings.
In effect, the dolphins, whales (and humans) are being poisoned by our time saving modern industrial practice of dumping of chemicals into rivers worldwide (instead of recycling). When it's all too late, and the whales have become fatally weakened, they often beach themselves together on the shore, demonstrating their human-like loyalty to each other, for which their species is renowned.
Read more: news/article-2096142/ Sperm-whales-How-plastic-bags-p oisoning-planets-greatest-pred ators.html
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Also see:
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orgs/Clearwater/ pcb.hazards.html
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Read more: news/article-2096142/ Sperm-whales-How-plastic-bags-p oisoning-planets-greatest-pred ators.html
I think it's sonar...I think is't an experiment and they're being called to shore.
Its Obama's fault unless your a democrat then its bushes fault.
They're trying to overthrow humanity, and don't have the patience to let evolution do its part.
I agree with Richard for NC.
But at the same time, I love Dolphin Steak. But you have to make sure you age it and tenderize it otherwise it's as tough as Tiger meat.