Busting Myths!

From Andy Dehart, Director of Biological Programs at the National Aquarium in DC and Discovery Channel Shark Advisor

Shark Week is finally here! No one loves Shark Week more than I do. I have been fascinated with sharks since my first sighting at just 5 years old when  I was scuba diving with my dad. I have had the opportunity to study sharks for most of my career, and have had many close and personal encounters with these perfect predators. However, sharks continue to amaze me each and every day.

For the last 21 years Discovery Channel’s Shark Week has featured programming that aims to teach people that we don’t have much to fear in sharks. Unfortunately, our fascination with sharks seems to be tied too closely with fear.

I encourage people to tune into Shark Week to learn more about sharks, how they rule the marine ecosystem and yet, are being threatened by man. Catch a special edition of Mythbusters tonight at 8 pm EST. For now, I’d like to leave you with a mythbusters of my own…

A discouraging loss

From Sue Hunter, Director of Animal Programs at the National Aquarium:

I am deeply saddened to report that on July 14 at approximately 3:00 a.m., one of our pregnant dolphins, Shiloh, gave birth to a stillborn calf. While not entirely unexpected as 33% of calves are born stillborn or die during the first year of life in the wild and in aquariums, it is heartbreaking for those that work closely with these animals. 

Our trainers, veterinarians, and volunteers have done all they can to provide the best environment and care for Shiloh, and it is disheartening for all involved to have a pregnancy end in this way.  Our thoughts now turn towards Shiloh, in finding out the possible cause for the stillbirth and in helping her to overcome her loss. 

In the days following we have been focused on Shiloh’s health and on managing the rest of the dolphin population. We have continued 24-hour observations of Shiloh. The veterinary staff has conducted tests on the dolphin’s placenta and on the calf for insight into possible causes for the stillbirth and to rule out any health concerns. Examinations to date have not yielded obvious cause for the calf to be stillborn.

Shiloh is in good spirits, eating on a normal schedule, and has not shown any signs of discomfort or distress. We are still awaiting the arrival of Chesapeake’s calf. All recent prenatal tests conducted on the mother and calf have shown positive results. As with any birth, we are cautiously optimistic about the outcome.

Condolences can be sent to dolphins@aqua.org or posted directly on Waterlog.

Counting dolphins

 

The National Aquarium is counting dolphins!

 

On Saturday, July 19th the Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Team will lead Maryland’s annual dolphin count in an effort to determine the state’s dolphin population.  Annual dolphin counts help scientists gather long-term information about dolphin populations, reproduction rates and ocean health. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries department monitors dolphin populations and regulations surrounding them.

 

Visiting Ocean City this weekend? Please join us for a weekend of festivities and participate in the count

 

Thursday, July 17  
Bonfire on the Beach
9 p.m.
N. Division St. and the Beach

Help us celebrate the ocean by enjoying the evening around a beautiful bonfire on the beach! Learn more about the Aquarium’s conservation efforts and Marine Animal Rescue program.

 

Friday, July 18  
Happy Hour at Seacrets
5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
 Join us for a special happy hour at Secrets. Enjoy special activities and give-aways and support the Aquarium’s conservation department!

 

Saturday, July 19
Dolphin Count
Main location: 40th Street beach
9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

 

The Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program will be counting dolphins by land, and sea! Staff and local community volunteers will be stationed at various locations along the 26 miles of Maryland coast, searching for dolphins. We are also enlisting the help of the Ocean City Station of the United States Coast Guard! If are you interested in helping, please meet us at one of the our beach locations: Inlet, 20th, 40th, 65th, 80th, 100th, or 120th  at 8:30 a.m.

 

Community volunteers allow the Aquarium to have more counting stations along the beach, providing a more accurate representation of the Maryland dolphin population. We hope to see you there!

How many trainers does it take for a dolphin to give birth?

The marine mammal staff is busy preparing for Shiloh and Chesapeake to give birth!

We’ve mobilized a team of dedicated volunteers to assist the trainers with observations of the pregnant females and potential calves. In 2007, volunteers contributed over 1000 hours to watching the nursery group and last year’s new calf, Foster. 

These volunteers have been recruited through other areas of the aquarium and undergo additional training in order to observe the dolphin colony.  While rearing a calf is ultimately dependent on the mother, observations allow us to add more information into what researchers know about dolphin pregnancies and neonate calves. For example, in the past we have observed females in the group assuming a calf position on an expectant mother’s mammaries. Researchers believe that this may be a way to teach a new mother how to nurse a calf!

Additionally, we use observations to determine exactly when a female is going into labor. Surprisingly, there is limited published research on dolphin pregnancies. A previous research project at the National Aquarium in Baltimore did indicate that two behaviors, arching and crunching, may increase just prior to giving birth. So obviously, this is one of the behaviors that trainers and observers are looking for!

The Information technology department has worked alongside the marine mammal department to develop a recording program using Palm Pilots™. This program won an award when presented at the International Marine Animal Trainers’ Conference in 2001. This allows trainers and veterinarians to view collected information more efficiently.

Can you believe that dolphins do this in the wild without all the extra help?!

Dolphins, dolphins everywhere

The group of dolphins currently feeding in New Jersey’s Shrewsbury River has been creating quite a buzz among residents and visitors of the New Jersey shore.

The National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program is a part of the North East Region Stranding Network, which is working closely with NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) on the situation. Experts at the Aquarium can report the following:

Biologists from NOAA have been able to keep a close watch on the pod of dolphins, which were identified earlier this week as coastal bottlenose dolphins. NOAA experts are continuing to evaluate the group but have reported that the biggest threat to them at the moment is behavior of humans eager to commune with them. 

The animals appear to be in good body condition, they are socializing, and do not appear to be in distress. And at this time, NOAA has no definitive plans to move or attempt to herd the dolphins, although it is preparing to do so if it becomes necessary. “It’s a last resort,” said Teri Rowles, director of NOAA’s National Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program.  Such a process is complicated, usually has mixed success, and is highly stressful for the animals sometimes resulting in death.”

The National Aquarium reminds beach and shore travelers to be cautious and considerate of animals in these situations. Coastal bottlenose dolphins are accustomed to human activities in their habitat, but encounters can be risky for both people and the animals. 

We urge people to take advantage of the chance to see and appreciate these animals, but to do so from at least 50 yards away by using binoculars, spotting scopes, or telephoto zoom lens to get a closer look! Federal law prohibits interference with the animal’s natural behavior, pursuant the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.  Harassment is punishable by fines of up to $10,000.

Most importantly, if you come into contact with a marine animal notify the appropriate authorities: the U.S. Coast Guard, your local Aquarium, or fire or police departments.