Staff from the National Aquarium Animal Rescue program were joined by volunteers today for the annual Maryland Dolphin Count. This year, 113 dolphins were sighted!
Volunteers of all ages braved the rain to help record dolphin sightings at four locations along the Eastern Shore of Maryland – three beach locations in Ocean City and at the Assateague State Park Day Use Area.
In Ocean City, our team also spotted numerous pelicans and osprey diving for fish!
Annual dolphin counts help marine mammal specialists capture a snapshot look at dolphin populations, reproduction rates and ocean health. Looking at the population numbers over the years can help to determine the health of the coastal ecosystem as well as the abundance of prey.
We want to send out a big thank you to all those who joined our team today!
Click here for more information on National Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Program and how the general public can assist with rescue efforts!
Filed under: Aquatic Life, Conservation, Dolphins, Marine Animal Rescue, National Aquarium, National Aquarium in DC, News Tagged: animal rescue, Assateague State Park, Conservation, dolphin count, marine mammal conservation, maryland, national aquarium, national aquarium animal rescue, ocean city, ocean health
