Interactions of dolphins with fishing gear and marine debris have increased over the last decaderesulting in a growing number of dolphin mortality and entanglement events. Such matterswere highlighted during the Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Conference heldFebruary 15-17 in Charleston, SC and co-hosted by NOS/NCCOS, NOAA Fisheries, and CoastalCarolina University.
Topics of discussion included the effects of dolphin interactions withrecreational and commercial fisheries, and mitigation efforts that could reduce the risk of seriousinjury or death. A full day of the meeting was devoted to stranding response efforts pertainingto the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, including a hands-on emergency drill.
This conferenceis held every two years and provides a forum for researchers to exchange information on criticalenvironmental issues affecting the health and survival of marine mammals throughout thesoutheastern region of the US.