Dataset Submitted

Health Assessment Summaries for Dolphins over the West Florida Shelf: 2022-2024

Authors: Randall Wells, Jennifer Langan, Michael T. Walsh, Jennifer Meegan, Forrest Gomez, Abby McClain, Barbara Linnehan, Andreas Fahlman, Christina Toma, Robyn Allen
Identified On: Mar 10 2025 14:40 UTC
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7266/hxgym775
UDI: F3.x305.000:0002
Project Information

Funded By:
Florida RESTORE Act Centers of Excellence Program

Funding Cycle:
FLRACEP 3

Research Group:
Health and Movements of Florida’s Dolphins

Point of Contact

Randall Wells
Chicago Zoological Society / Sarasota Dolphin Research Program
rwells@mote.org

Data Collection Period
2022-06-01
to
2024-05-31
Theme keywords

health assessment, Atlantic spotted dolphin, Bottlenose dolphin, Rough-toothed dolphin, lung health, lung function, veterinary examination, ultrasound examination, spirometry, Stenella frontalis, Tursiops truncatus, Steno bredanensis

Abstract:

Health assessments were performed on 12 dolphins over the West Florida Shelf during 2022-2024, using standard protocols (Wells et al. 2004; Barratclough et al. 2019). Individual dolphins were hoop-netted while riding at the bow of the research vessel, maneuvered onto a floating mat or the aft deck of the vessel, and examined and sampled by 2 veterinarians prior to tagging with a satellite-linked transmitter and release on-site. Lung function was assessed through ultrasound and spirometry. Three species were examined and sampled: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis, n=6), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n=5), and a rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis, n=1). Narrative reports were prepared by the attending veterinarians, and individual lung function assessments were also prepared for each dolphin. Research was performed under National Marine Fisheries Service Scientific Research Permit No. 26622, with annually reviewed IACUC approvals through Mote Marine Laboratory.

Suggested Citation:

Randall Wells, Jennifer Langan, Michael T. Walsh, Jennifer Meegan, Forrest Gomez, Abby McClain, Barbara Linnehan, Andreas Fahlman, Christina Toma, Robyn Allen. Health Assessment Summaries for Dolphins over the West Florida Shelf: 2022-2024. Distributed by: GRIIDC, Harte Research Institute, Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi. doi:10.7266/hxgym775

Purpose:

The project was designed to establish baseline information on the health of dolphins inhabiting the waters over the West Florida Shelf.

Data Parameters and Units:

Narrative reports assess the health and lung function of each dolphin examined, sampled, and measured during catch-and-release health assessments over the West Florida Shelf.

Methods:

Individual dolphins were caught via break-away hoop-net while riding at the bow of the research vessel, maneuvered onto a floating mat and in some cases onto the aft deck of the vessel, and examined and sampled by 2 veterinarians prior to tagging with a satellite-linked transmitter and release on-site. Standard wild dolphin health assessment protocols were used (Wells et al. 2004; Barratclough et al. 2019). Lung function was assessed through ultrasound and spirometry. Wells, R.S., H.L. Rhinehart, L.J. Hansen, J.C. Sweeney, F.I. Townsend, R. Stone, D. Casper, M.D. Scott, A.A. Hohn, and T.K. Rowles. 2004. Bottlenose dolphins as marine ecosystem sentinels: Developing a health monitoring system. EcoHealth 1:246-254. Barratclough, A., R. S. Wells, L. H. Schwacke, T. K. Rowles, F. M. Gomez, D. A. Fauquier, J. C. Sweeney, F. I. Townsend, L. J. Hansen, E. S. Zolman, B. C. Balmer and C. R. Smith. 2019. Health assessments of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): Past, present, and potential conservation applications. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 6:444. https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2019.00444