Dolphins getting fatally caught in mooring lines?

[SvenG]

Same thing has happened the last two times we've been out to Catalina Island and it seems really odd. Being intelligent creatures it makes sense that they would play with mooring lines and other "toys" under the surface, but why would they get their tails caught/tied-up in the sandline twice in less than a month so that they drown !?

The report was the same each time. Words to the effect that 'we have spotted a dead dolphin with the mooring line wrapped around its tail and then up through the mouth'. Through the mouth makes sense as it struggles to free itself, but the knot or tangle around the tail ? I can't even imagine how they would do that if they were trying.

We saw the second one when we went on a hike after the radio report. The harbor patrol had notified whoever it is they have to talk to about the sea mammal fatality and then untangled it. It looked like it was average size as it was floating belly up in the kelp. A very sad sight even from 200' (?) up.

Maybe Asta has some ideas ?



-Sven

[Butler]

Seems strange to me as well. New to me also but then I don't have a lot of experience at Catalina and that just over the last couple of years. Will have to ask some of the more experienced folks here, see if this has been a problem in the past.
Was this in Two Harbors?

[jyoung]

suicide! the first dolphin couldn't take the pressure and probably wanted to end it all while the second was lost withou thier signifigant other and opted out... just a guess, but i did hear of a bottled note found out that way floating that read "goodbeye cruel world- dolphin safe my a**"..

[Butler]

Ahh, tragic story of star crossed lovers...

[SvenG]

Originally Posted by Butler

Seems strange to me as well. New to me also but then I don't have a lot of experience at Catalina and that just over the last couple of years. Will have to ask some of the more experienced folks here, see if this has been a problem in the past.
Was this in Two Harbors?

The one a month ago was in the Isthmus itself I think. The one last week was in Cherry Cove. Pretty sad.



-Sven