Marine Rescue Program Highlights
by: Kim Durham

Dolphin Release

What do Paradise Sound, Newfoundland and Seabreeze Canal, Bellmore New York have in common? The answer can be found with one very unique and special visitor, an offshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation released “Seabreeze,” a juvenile male bottlenose dolphin on November 12, 2007, approximately 20 nautical miles southeast of Shinnecock Inlet, New York. Prior to release a satellite tag was affixed to his dorsal fin and programmed to relay location and environmental data. When at the surface the tag sends a signal to orbiting satellites and information is then relayed back to the Riverhead Foundation where it can be analyzed and converted to positional and diving data. On November 24, 2007, Seabreeze’s location was broadcasted from the coast of Petit Forte, Newfoundland, nearly 1,529 miles away. (Visit www.riverheadfoundation.org) to check Seabreeze’s current location.)

Seabreeze, a juvenile male offshore bottlenose dolphin was reported to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation’s Hotline number (631-369-9829) on the morning of July 21, 2007. Residents reported finding the young dolphin stranded in four feet of water at the end of Seabreeze canal in Bellmore, Long Island. A response team led by Robert DiGiovanni, Foundation Director and Senior Biologist came to the aid of the nine-foot long dolphin with the assistance of the Town of Hempstead Bay Constables, Nassau County Police and local residents. Seabreeze weakened by malnourishment offered up little resistance as he was placed within a specialized dolphin stretcher and hoisted from the muddy waters to the Riverhead Foundation’s specialized transport ambulance (Donated by Hawkeye Construction).

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation’s rehabilitation facility located at the Atlantis Marine World Aquarium is the only facility of its kind in New York authorized to treat sick and injured dolphins such as Seabreeze. Once at the hospital staff veterinarians, Rob Pisciotta (North Fork Animal Hospital) and Richard Hanusch (Aquebogue Veterinary Hospital) immediately began examining the ailing dolphin. Initial tests indicated a severe stomach infection might have been contributory to the debilitated dolphin finding it way into Bellmore’s shallow canal waters.

Over the next three months the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research Preservation’s staff and volunteers provided supportive care to Seabreeze. Treatment for his stomach infection resulted with a weight gain of approximately 150 lbs. Volunteers monitored Seabreeze daily and introduced various enrichment objects (Tubes, hula hoops) with the goal of keeping the young dolphin alert and active.

On November 12, 2007 at approximately 1:52 pm Seabreeze was released from the deck of the Stony Brook University’s School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS) research vessel R/V SeaWolf. Accompanying Seabreeze’s final transport were students enrolled within the Marine Mammal Course, which assisted staff and volunteers with monitoring Seabreeze during the transport. The release was a huge team effort made possible through collaborations with Stony Brook University and generous contributions of resources by the following companies and agency’s: Hawkeye Construction (crane truck), Town of Riverhead Police, United States Coast Guard Group Shinnecock, Town of Southampton’s Department of Park and Recreation and Landuse Ecological Services.

Give the Gift that Keeps on Giving……

Adoptions provide a means to continue the work of the rescue program and offer an opportunity to give a unique gift all year around. Information on how you can adopt Draco and help the next rescued cold stunned sea turtle can be found by visiting the Riverhead Foundation’s online store or by calling 631-369-9840. Gift packets include: a biographical story about your adopted animal, an animal fact sheet, a Riverhead Foundation logo sticker, (2) photos of your adopted animal and a certificate of adoption.

Visit the online Gift Store at www.riverheadfoundation.org