MASONBORO ISLAND, N.C. (WECT) – Two dead dolphins were found on Masonboro Island Reserve on Wednesday, April 22, according to the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program.
North Carolina Coastal Reserve staff discovered the dolphins and notified the stranding program. Staff provided vessel support and helped with the investigation.
The two dolphins were found in separate areas of the island. Field teams split into groups to examine each animal.
Two dead dolphins found on Masonboro Island(David Zumbro)
Officials concluded that the dolphins were not a mother-calf pair. One was a male calf in “robust body condition but had lesions covering more than 50 percent of its skin, suggesting underlying illness,” according to UNCW.
The second dolphin was a large offshore male, also in good body condition. Officials conducted a necropsy, which revealed its liver was infected with a trematode flatworm parasite called Campula.
The full statement from the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program can be read below:
On April 22, 2026, two deceased dolphins were discovered stranded on Masonboro Island Reserve by colleagues with the North Carolina Coastal Reserve, who alerted the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program. They also provided vessel support and assisted throughout the investigation, helping ensure a timely response.
Because the dolphins were located in separate areas of the island, our field team split into two response groups to examine each animal. It was determined that the two dolphins were not a mother-calf pair despite stranding in close proximity. The smaller dolphin was a dependent male calf in robust body condition but had lesions covering more than 50 percent of its skin, suggesting underlying illness. The second animal was a large offshore male dolphin, also in robust condition. During necropsy, its liver was found to be infected with a trematode parasite, Campula.
Marine mammals are federally protected. Anyone who finds a stranded marine mammal in southeastern North Carolina should call 910-515-7354. The hotline is available 24 hours a day.