Dolphin Remains Discovered on Jersey Shore Prompt Federal Inquiry

Federal authorities are looking into the discovery of dolphin remains on a New Jersey beach that appeared to have been butchered.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) received a troubling call on Oct. 30 about the remains found in Allenhurst, New Jersey. When the stranding coordinator arrived at the scene, they found a common dolphin's carcass in a shocking state.

According to a post shared on the MMSC's Facebook page, "The animal's flesh had been completely removed with clean cuts from a sharp instrument, leaving only the head, dorsal fin and flukes."

Dolphin's Remains Found with Missing Organs

The post further detailed that nearly all of the dolphin's organs were taken out, with only the heart and lungs remaining. This has raised serious concerns among officials and the public about the circumstances surrounding the animal's death.

Witnesses reported that the night before, they had seen a live dolphin struggling in the waves just a block away from where the remains were found. Fortunately, the dolphin was able to swim back out to sea after managing to get over a sandbar. It remains uncertain if this dolphin is the same one found dead on the beach the following day, according to AP News.

The remains were carefully transported to the MMSC for documentation and photography before being buried on the beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA) Office of Law Enforcement is now involved in the investigation.

The agency has been active in addressing similar incidents; for example, in April, they investigated the death of a bottlenose dolphin that was shot. This dolphin was discovered with multiple bullets lodged in its body, leading to its tragic demise, as per a press release.

Bottlenose dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, although they are not classified as endangered or threatened. As the investigation into the butchered dolphin continues, officials are urging anyone with information to come forward.