On Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026, concerned citizens in Matlacha reported a dolphin beached on a sandbar in Matlacha Pass. They alerted FWC and stood by till state biologists could arrive.
Their actions and patience allowed for a collaborative response, assessment, tagging and release of the adult male dolphin. In addition to FWC marine biologists, other agencies involved included the Matlacha Pine Island Fire Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Sarasota Dolphin Research Program (BZC/SDRP), Mote Marine Laboratory’s Stranding Investigations Program (MML), and FWC law enforcement.
An FWC assessment showed that the stranded dolphin — an 8-foot, 400-pound male — seemed to be in good nutritional condition. Assessment included vitals (heart and respiration rate) and consultation with MML medical care staff. The dolphin was deemed a candidate for release. After the SDRP tagged him to monitor his movements and survival, the dolphin was released into deeper waters.
If you see a stranded dolphin, it’s important to know that pushing or pulling dolphins back into the water can cause injury, death due to drowning, and delay treatment. Dolphins are federally protected, and trained responders are available to assess and help.
Dolphins, in most cases, strand when they are ill or injured and diagnosis requires expertise. There are hotlines to alert trained responders: FWC 888-404-3922, MML 888-345-2335, NOAA 877-433-8299.
Rescuers prepare to release a dolphin that had been stranded on a sandbar in Matlacha Pass after giving the animal a health assessment and attaching a satellite-linked tag to track his post-release movements.
This tracking map shows the dolphin’s movements from his release into deeper water through mid-day the day after his rescue. Satellite-linked tag and tracking services provided by NOAA John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant No. NA24NMFX439C0001.
