Volusia County

New study shows risk dolphins face in Central Florida waters

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A new study of Florida’s dolphin population shows the risk they may face while swimming through Central Florida waters.

Researchers said the way dolphins interact with nets and fishing lines can influence how their calves act later in life.

>>> STREAM CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS LIVE <<<

The study focuses on the relationships dolphins form with one another. Scientists say it’s key to understanding how diseases can be transmitted and even how behavioral traits can be passed along.

The study by Cornell University and Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute is providing new insight to the dolphin population and its behaviors in the Indian River Lagoon and Halifax River, a population scientists say has remained strong over the years.

Read: Sick dolphin calf improves with tube-fed milk, helping hands

Learn more in the video above.

Click here to download the free WFTV news and weather apps, click here to download the WFTV Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.