Release of Pantropical spotted dolphin

Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution’s Dolphin Research staff helped to coordinate a "Release to the Wild" of two Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) aboard their R/V SEA DIVER. As approved by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Office of Protected Resources, and in conjunction with the Animal Care Staff of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, this scheduled release occured approximately 20 to 25 miles offshore Vero Beach in 300' plus water depth.

Both dolphin will carry temporary satellite telemetry transmitters attached to their dorsal fins. These streamlined, and specially designed transmitters are designed to safely break away within 2 to 3 weeks post release with no adverse effects to the dolphins. Such "native reintroduction's" and follow-up tracking provide useful data to scientists who need to better understand the grand scale movements of this pelagic dolphin species. "Woodstock" and "Linus" as they were affectionately named by rescuers, were part of an original group of three dolphins that beached by near Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on August 2, 1999. The third dolphin, "Schroeder", succumbed to Morbillivirus, which is a disease believed to have been responsible for the mass dolphin die off of 1987 - 88. During this time, it is estimated that approximately 50% of the East Coast dolphin stock (Florida to Maine) died.

Both "Woodstock" and "Linus" have been tested several times for this deadly virus and have tested negative. NMFS deems these dolphin as "releasable candidates" and HBOI is proud to have provided assistance and support to this effort. Also involved in the rescue recovery effort were staff from FWCC (DEP), Hubbs Sea-World-Research Institute, Sea World Animal Care staff, HBOI Dolphin Research Program and the Property Management staff and residents of the Sea Oaks condominiums who helped to secure the dolphins until help arrived.

All three dolphins were transported to Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) where they have received expert round-the-clock care and attention since their stranding two months ago. ‘Woodstock" and "Linus" have responded beyond expectations to their rehabilitation, gaining over 28 and 41 pounds respectively on a daily diet of 14 pounds of fish and squid. The dolphins were transported from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium early on Wednesday, October 13, 1999 to Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution in Fort Pierce, Florida where they were taken offshore for their release to the wild.