Dolphin Die-Off Declines, but Investigation Continues

Updated: Mon 4:02 PM, Apr 12, 2004

The last death was reported over a week ago.

Gulf World Marine Park's Ron Hardy recommends the team investigating the deaths declare the die-off to be over. He's expecting a decision within a few days.

The die-off began March 10 and the last death was reported April 3. The count reached at least 105 dolphins that had died and washed ashore.

Most of the carcasses were found in and along St. Joseph's Bay and nearby waters of the Gulf of Mexico surrounding Cape San Blas in Gulf County. A few, however, turned up as far west as Panama City Beach.

Hardy says red tide remains the number-one suspect. Scientists have found a high level of a powerful neurotoxin released by red tide in the marine mammals.

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