Mercury Poisoning Found in Dolphins in the Everglades

January 3, 2017 by

dolphinsAt the end of last year, a study was released revealing that the bottlenose dolphins in the Everglades show signs of mercury poisoning. Florida International University (FIU) scientists have been examining the dolphins, and released the study that stated the dolphins have a high mercury concentration on both their skin and blubber. These dolphins that were examined live around the Everglades National Park, the lower Florida Keys, and Florida Bay. These dolphins have a high mercury concentration them than any other dolphin population in the world. In fact, the level of mercury these scientists found was the highest level ever recorded.

The scientists believe the mercury has come from natural and man-made sources. Mercury is a metallic element, and is extremely toxic. Because of its toxicity, the mercury can affect and harm dolphins’ immune and reproductive systems, which can make them susceptible to catching and contracting illnesses and diseases easier and more often.

FIU has reported that mercury is produced from the mangroves in these areas. This occurs when the mangroves’ leaves fall into the water and come in contact with bacteria; the combination converts into mercury. In this area, pesticides are the culprit for the mercury production.

The Everglades has been known to have high concentrations of mercury, which is alarming to scientists. FIU scientists, along with scientists from the University of Liège in Belgium, the University of Gronigen in the Netherlands and the Tropical Dolphin Research Foundation in the United States,  are working to understand the impact of these contaminations and pollutants on marine ecosystems to better know how to implement conversation efforts. These scientists are trying to find the extent of mercury poisoning in the Everglades, and will also study sharks, alligators, and fish to see if they also have been affected.

Where to See Dolphins in the Everglades 

The bottlenose dolphins mainly reside in the Everglades’ Florida Bay, which is the wetland’s largest body of water. There is about 450 dolphins that live there. Hopefully with attention and awareness on the mercury issue, these dolphins will continue to thrive and live in the Everglades for years to come. Jump on an airboat ride to get a spectacular view of these brilliant, beautiful creatures.

By taking an airboat right with Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours, you will have the opportunity to see dolphins and lots of other animals, birds, and marine life. To schedule a tour, click here of call 239-695-3377.

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Dolphins of the Everglades: the swamp’s smartest animal

November 10, 2015 by

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins possess heightened senses allowing them to socialize, sympathize and strategize, deeming them the smartest animal in the Everglades. These magnificent marine mammals frequent south Florida and can be seen surfacing off the Gulf Coast and in the Everglades’ brackish waters.

These intelligent animals are incredibly social, so you’ll often spot them swimming in groups called pods. Dolphins develop intimate relationships with members of their pod, and they function like a tight-knit family.

Extremely active, you might catch two dolphins chasing after each other or jumping up out of the water as if performing tricks. And sometimes playtime and mealtime overlap. When hunting, a dolphin may play with a fish for a while before actually eating it.

What’s more enjoyable than playing with your food? Actually tasting it. A dolphin’s taste buds interpret four of five basic tastes: salty, sweet, sour and bitter. These aquatic masterminds can also use taste to track down prey. A dolphin can taste whether an area was recently populated by a school of fish, thus making it easier to find food.

Another way dolphins hunt is through echolocation. By emitting a high-pitched whistle, the Atlantic bottlenose dolphin interprets the sound reflection in a given area. This helps them understand where fish are and when they were there.

But hunting isn’t the only time speech comes in handy. Though scientists can’t identify whether dolphins actually use their own language, they are certain of dolphins’ ability to speak to each other. Listen for clicks, squeaks and whistles resonating from a pod. That’s often the sound of dolphins communicating with one another.

And verbal communication isn’t the only way bottlenose dolphins interact. Body language serves as an effective communicating tactic. When a dolphin is perturbed or if it wants to gain the rest of the pod’s attention, it might slap its tail.

Where to find them

Atlantic bottlenose dolphins reside in the Everglades’ largest body of water, Florida Bay. This shallow, brackish water body houses approximately 450 resident dolphins. The best way to see them? Hire an airboat for the chance to glide past these brilliant creatures in their natural Everglades habitat.

Captain Mitch’s Airboat Tours offer exceptional Everglades tours with unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Schedule a tour with Captain Mitch by clicking here or calling 239-695-3377.

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