NOAA declares East Coast dolphin deaths an “Unusual Mortality Event”

Virginia Beach, Va. (WTKR) – NOAA Fisheries has declared an Unusual Mortality Event due to the high number of bottlenose dolphin strandings that have occurred in coastal areas from New York to Virginia over the past several weeks.

The highest number of strandings has occurred here in Virginia, where over 100 deceased dolphins have washed up on area beaches.

NOAA says the level of dolphin strandings is seven times higher than normal.

Necropsies have been performed but there have been no unifying gross findings.

An infectious pathogen is at the top of the list of potential causes for the event, but all causes will be evaluated.