Dolphins making their presence felt close to LI shores

[tk2kewl]

http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-hsdolph0112,0,1024645.story?coll=ny-main-bigpix

BY JENNIFER SMITH
Newsday Staff Writer

January 11, 2007, 11:13 PM EST

Dolphins weren't the only mammals swarming in the waters off East Hampton Thursday.

Like paparazzi hounding celebrities, people took to the water in kayaks and snorkeling gear trying to get close to the dozens of dolphins seen frolicking in Sag and Northwest harbors. But biologists are concerned that the extra attention may stress the animals, who could then become stranded.

Thursday, the crowds got bad enough that biologists observing the dolphins called in state environmental enforcement officers to shoo people away from the animals, which are protected by federal law.

<snip>

Usually at home in deep waters some 80 miles off the tip of Long Island, the dolphins were first seen here earlier this week feeding and playing off Cedar Point Park. Observers estimate there may be between 40 and 75 dolphins in the cetacean tour group, which moved west into the adjoining shallow waters of Sag Harbor on Wednesday before returning to Northwest Harbor Thursday.

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http://www.newsday.com/news/local/longisland/ny-hsdolph0112,0,1024645.story?coll=ny-main-bigpix

[FedUpWithIt All]

1. It just breaks my heart when the animals quietly change to accommodate our folly.

They are forced to simply find a way to survive.

:cry:

[leveymg]

2. They're probably feeding closer to shore because water temps are higher

than normal for this time of year.

Having snorkeled with dolphins offshore in Lewes, Delaware, I know it does them absolutely no harm to have people swimming or kayaking nearby.

[EnviroBat]

3. Perhaps they sense something has gone terribly wrong with us.

Maybe they are trying to help in some way...?

[ClintonTyree]

4. So long, and thanks for all the fish......

I just can't help thinking of " The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy" when I read something like this. :rofl: