Q: Where are bottlenose dolphins located in the Chesapeake Bay?
A: Sightings are common in the Lower Bay during winter and expand northward into the Middle Bay from April to October, and in the Upper Bay from June to August.
Q: What do bottlenose dolphins eat?
A: Their diet can vary based on their habitat and the availability of prey. Dolphins typically feed on fish and squid, so here in the Bay, they primarily target fish. They have conical (cone-shaped) teeth, but they swallow their prey whole.
Q: What threats do bottlenose dolphins face?
A: Dolphins face several threats, including habitat loss, pollution, fishing bycatch, and climate change. Additionally, some populations are affected by vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear.
Q: How can I be responsible when viewing bottlenose dolphins?
A: As you explore, please keep in mind a few tips for safely viewing wildlife:
- Remain at least 50 yards (150 feet) from dolphins
- If you’re fishing, pull in your gear to prevent dolphin from becoming entangled
- Never chase, follow, pursue dolphins
- Avoid coming between individual dolphins, especially mother-calf pairs
- Never feed dolphins
- Never get in the water when dolphins are close
- Notify authorities of stranded animals by calling: 1-800-626-9944 in Maryland or 1-757-385-7575 in Virginia
How can I help bottlenose dolphins in the Bay?
A:
- Become a sponsor of DolphinWatch! If interested, email dolphinwatchCB@umces.edu
- Donate to DW so the research can continue!
- Follow safe and responsible dolphin watching guidelines: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/insight/viewing-marine-life
- Participate in Bay cleanup efforts! All and any actions that help the Bay will make it a better, safer, and more healthy place for dolphins.
- Don’t litter and limit the amount of plastic you use