Dolphin calf rescued from embedded fishing line in Florida

CLEARWATER, Fla. — A team of state wildlife officers and marine mammal vets were able to remove embedded fishing line from a 7-month-old bottlenose dolphin calf.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium said it was closely watching the mother and this calf since early December.

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They said they waited until Tuesday to help the calf because catch-and-release interventions are dangerous for both rescuers and the dolphin.

Officials said every effort was made to remove the line from a boat; however, when those efforts failed and the calf’s condition got worse, they moved in to free the line.

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Veterinarians were concerned the dolphin could die during a net capture because of its age and weakened condition, but thankfully, they were able to safely help it.

Anyone who sees an injured, entangled or dead dolphin is asked to call the Southeast Region Stranding Network hotline at 1-877-WHALE HELP (1-877-942-5343).

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