Washed ashore dolphins raise concerns for Cape Cod residents and rescue organizations

By Anthony Ciano

Washed ashore dolphins have been a growing issue this year in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts.

According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, the yearly average number of washed up dolphins is 67, however this year there is already a total number of 342 dolphins. The number continues to increase.

Of the 342 dolphins that have washed ashore in 2024, 90 of them were found dead and 293 of them were able to be released back into the wild.

The growing number of these incidents on the peninsula of Massachusetts- Cape Cod- is being related to the climate change on the coastal region.

The Cape is notorious for causing difficulty in navigation for sea animals due to its large amount of sand bars, hooked shape, and sticky mud.

However, the large number of wash-ups this year is being related to the unusually warm temperatures both on the land and in the sea.

Cape Cod is known for its popular feeding grounds for the dolphin species, and scientists have noticed the dolphins following the small fish they consume closer to shore, ultimately leading to the accidental stranding.