10/20/2026
At approximately 1:00 pm on Sunday, October 19, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) received a call from the National Park Service at Sandy Hook reporting that a birder had discovered three dolphins stranded deep in the marsh.
The MMSC Stranding Team immediately mobilized from Brigantine as National Park Service officers confirmed the dolphins’ location on the north side of Spermaceti Cove. All three dolphins were stranded in the marsh grass near a shallow creek. Two certified MMSC Stranding Volunteers arrived on scene to assist, and additional support was requested from Sea Bright Fire and Rescue.
The Stranding Team, along with fire department personnel and National Park Service staff, hiked into the marsh wearing dry suits. Each dolphin was carefully placed on a stretcher and carried to the beach for an initial examination. They were then transported approximately half a mile by all-terrain vehicle and pickup truck to MMSC’s Rescue Vehicle.
The dolphins were immediately transported to MMSC’s veterinarian for further medical evaluation. The dolphins were identified as adolescent Common dolphins—one male and two females. We suspect these may be the same dolphins reported in the Shrewsbury River on Friday. Unfortunately, all three were found to be weak, lethargic, thin and in poor body condition. When stranded on land, the pressure of their own body weight can cause damage to internal organs, significantly reducing their chances of survival. Given the dolphins’ poor condition and the unknown length of time they had been trapped in the mud, their prognosis for survival was very poor. Following veterinary assessment, the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize all three dolphins to prevent further suffering.
The dolphins were transported to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostic Laboratory (NJAHDL) in Trenton where necropsies will be performed to help determine the cause of their stranding. We will share updates as results become available on our website: https://mmsc.org/current-cetacean-data
We extend our sincere gratitude to Sea Bright Fire and Rescue, the National Park Service at Gateway National Recreation Area at Sandy Hook, and MMSC Stranding Volunteers for their invaluable assistance during this challenging response. These situations are difficult for everyone involved, and we are deeply appreciative of the teamwork and compassion shown by all who worked to help these dolphins.
Photos: Marine Mammal Stranding Center NMFS permit #24359
