Scientists mystified by largest dolphin stranding in northeast U.S. in 20 years

February 6, 2012 – MASSACHUSETTS – Nearly 130 dolphins have beached themselves on Cape Cod in the last three weeks, with 92 dying in what’s become “the single largest stranding” in at least two decades in the Northeast, the International Fund for Animal Welfare reported Monday. On Sunday, four more 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 this afternoon.” Most of the dolphins have appeared to be in good health, adding to the mystery of why so many have come ashore. 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. “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. This stranding “is not only out of the ordinary,” she said, “but it takes a huge toll on our resources. It’s hard labor.” –MSNBC