228 marine mammals of varying species (dolphins, whales, seals, etc.) are in need of rescue each year on the shorelines of Cape Cod. Yet in five weeks 179 dolphins (and dolphins alone) have been discovered stranded in these shallow waters, beaches, and mud flats, unable to swim back to sea. And no one seems to know why.
Professionals can point to no significant changes in tidal conditions or health conditions (scientists are tagging them and checking their health) as a cause. However, dolphins do travel/live in large groups which means whatever is causing the mass stranding is forcing a large number of them into the horrible situation.
Volunteers are working around the clock on the rescues, which is awesome. Yet of the 179 discovered only 71 were alive. Of those 53 were successfully released back into safe waters. Thankfully, there are people who are willing to pause their own lives to help get these dolphins survive. We can only hope professionals will discover the origin of the problem and be able to resolve it sooner than later.
