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By Jessica Kittel
Part One
A pod of seven Atlantic white-sided dolphins (Lagenorhynchus acutus) became stuck in the shallow harbor of Lamèque, a town located in New Brunswick. How does a pod of dolphins get stuck in a harbor? It’s easier than you think, if the only passage out to open ocean is narrow, shallow and a mile long.
Experts believe the dolphins probably swam into the harbor during an exceptionally high tide. There are also multiple theories about what exactly brought them there in the first place.
When it comes to food, CBC News notes that dolphins are known to be pretty single-minded. They could have easily followed their prey into the harbor during an exceptionally high tide. By the time they were ready to make their way out, the dolphins would face an uncomfortable trip with a lot less water.
Another possibility is that they had navigational issues. The area around the harbor is complicated, with many shallow spots. Rather than heading back out towards the open ocean, they could have easily gotten confused and gone in the opposite direction.
There’s also a very good chance they were led astray by a sick member of their pod. One of the seven dolphins died two days after the pod got stuck in the harbor. It’s not unusual for sick animals, in their altered state, to make decisions that put them in unsafe situations. Dolphins are very group oriented, so if the pod saw one of their own go towards the harbor, then they may have followed in order to keep an eye on it.
Whatever the reason was, the dolphins were not leaving the relative safety and comfort of the deep water they found near the town’s bridge. At least, not on their own accord.
Stay tuned for Part Two, A Dolphin Saga: High Fives At High Tide.