Navesink/Shrewsbury Dolphins

The purpose of this blog is to keep current information, with real live factual facts and news links of the status of the Navesink / Shrewsbury River dolphins.  We welcome any photos / video of the dolphins.

June ‘08:
The dolphins make their debut in the river, quickly replacing Bruce Springstein and Bon Jovi as our local celebrities. 

January ‘09 – The Big Hairy Cause for Concern January:
These rivers freeze over. The chances of them surviving the icy waters are slim. In November ‘93 a pod of dolphins strayed into the Shrewsbury River. Authorities presumed the dolphins would leave on their own, but they were trapped in ice and froze to death http://tinyurl.com/6ln6bq. Recalling the tragedy, most locals want the dolphins removed/rescued. There’s also the camp of those who feel the dolphins will leave if they are in any real danger.

At first it was believed the pod stayed through the winter for the seemingly endless food supply. However, an ongoing debate has been over the noisy Rt. 36 bridge construction in Sea Bright / Highlands (Sandy Hook) – the only way back to sea. Construction noise may be scaring them from leaving. Since 12/08 the dolphins have showed signs of aggravation (tail slapping) when near the bridge, so perhaps they want out, but are frustrated or scared.

The bridge contractor has offered to cease construction for 2 weeks for the dolphins to exit, but this has yet to happen.http://seantkean.com/press/dolphinsdec.pdf

The NOAA still holds their ground to not interfere, but lately federal authorities are beginning to pressure the NOAA to change their stance on the issue. http://tinyurl.com/7t3ktg

//////////////////////
 CONTACT INFO:
//////////////////////

NJ Senator Kean: http://seantkean.com/contact-us.html
NJ Congressmen Pallone: http://www.house.gov/pallone/contact.shtml
*Both Pallone & Kean are very concerned over the welfare of these dolphins.
———————————–——-
The NOAA is very responsive to emails & questions, so please be respectful in your inquiries:
http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/njdolphins/
David Gouveia: David.Gouveia@noaa.gov
Teri Frady: tfrady@mercury.wh.whoi.edu