Dolphin Tales: Where do dolphins go when the hurricane blows?
It is officially hurricane season 2024 and it is predicted to be very active. As we make preparations when receiving a hurricane watch (hurricane conditions are possible in the specified area of the watch within 48 hours) or hurricane warning (hurricane conditions with sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or higher are expected within a specified area issued 36 hours in advance), dolphins are also making preparations.
Hurricanes are large, spiraling tropical storms that can pack wind speeds of over 160 mph and unleash more then 2.4 trillion gallons of rain a day. Dolphins sense this change in weather because the rain reduces the salinity of the water at the surface. Dolphins respond by fleeing to deeper water where the intensity of the storm’s impact is significantly reduced. By swimming to greater depths, dolphins can avoid the destructive surface waves and turbulent currents, finding refuge in calmer waters below.
As the hurricane force winds move over our South-west Florida shallow waters, the water underneath the surface moves back and forth, stirring up sediment and depriving the water of oxygen. Sand, shells, sea grass and small fish become flying debris. Territorial fish that cannot leave the shallow waters, succumb to death because their gills get clogged with debris. This is why dolphins are safer in deeper water.
Dolphin will find sheltered areas such as reefs, coves and the leeward side of islands to find temporary respite from the storm. These sheltered areas offer protection from the harsh winds and turbulent waves, allowing dolphins to conserve energy and ride out the tempest.
Dolphin still must surface to breathe every 10-15 minutes. This can be very challenging, especially when a female has a nursing calf in tow. A newborn could drown within the first two weeks of life if separated from its mother. The calf does not have enough fat to float and must ride in the slipstream of the mother.
Because dolphins are highly social creatures living in tightly knit groups called pods, they stay close, providing protection and support, ensuring the safety of each pod member. This social cohesion plays a crucial role in their survival during hurricanes.
Following the passage of a hurricane, dolphins exhibit remarkable resilience in their recovery efforts. They possess a strong homing instinct that guides them back to familiar territory once the storm has passed. They reunite with their pods and rebuild their social structures in order to resume their normal behaviors.
Captain Cathy Eagle has spent over 40 years boating on our local waters. As a professional charter captain, she specializes in Dolphin and Nature tours. Visit CaptainCathy.com or call /text 239 994-2572. Welcome aboard!