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Meet Striker (STKR), a bottlenose dolphin of the Indian River Lagoon (IRL) frequently sighted by the FAU Harbor Branch Marine Mammal Stranding and Population Assessment (MMSPA) team between Sebastian Inlet and Round Island Beach Park in Vero Beach.

Bottlenose dolphins in the IRL can acquire scars from many sources — predators, interactions with other dolphins, and human activity such as entanglement in fishing gear and vessel strikes. Striker was hit by a boat sometime before the MMPSA team began to track him, but his extensive scars have fully healed and are now considered permanent. 

Bottlenose dolphins are remarkably resilient, with an impressive ability to heal from severe injuries – and we can learn a lot about that process through photo-identification. By photographing the same individuals over months and years, the MMSPA team can monitor how wounds heal, watch for signs of infection and track overall body condition. Consistent photo-ID surveys contribute to the understanding of scar frequency and healing rates, while building an overall picture of the different challenges dolphins face in the IRL.

While some scars are naturally occurring, boat strikes are preventable, and some dolphins aren’t as lucky as STKR was to survive the incident. By staying vigilant on the water, giving wildlife space, and obeying speed restrictions, we can all help keep our beloved locals safe!

If you see a marine mammal while out on the water, remember to stay 50 yards away. When fishing, avoid casting lines towards animals and refrain from feeding them. Not only is it illegal, but the more comfortable dolphins become around humans, boats and fishing activity, the higher their risk of injury.  

If you see a marine mammal in distress, call the FWC hotline (888) 404-3922.  All work conducted under NOAA NMFS permit #29340.