Marine stranding center searching for clues in recent dolphin deaths

MIDDLETOWN –  The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has documented three bottlenose dolphin deaths since Tuesday and hopes the remains of one of the mammals may still yield answers into the cause of the deaths. 

At the very least, the officials hope to rule out a deadly virus. 

"We're a little concerned we don't have a return of the morbillivirus. We need to get test results as soon as possible," said Robert Schoelkopf, founder and director of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine. 

Two dolphins were found in advanced decomposed states and were disposed of, but one washed up alive on Sandy Hook Wednesday and died on the beach.   

The Sandy Hook dolphin was taken to the state Department of Agriculture's animal lab in Ewing for a necropsy — an animal autopsy. 

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Morbillivirus is a measles-like virus that is highly contagious amongst dolphins. It spreads through respiration (via blowholes) and direct contact. An outbreak in 2013 killed more than 1,500 dolphins on the East Coast. In New Jersey, 151 deaths were reported. 

Schoelkopf said the dolphins didn't have lesions on their skin or mouth, which could be a sign of the virus.

"Everything is preliminary. We are just taking precautions," he said. 

Schoelkopf said the decomposed dolphins that were disposed did not get necropsies and their cause of death will likely remain unknown.

One dolphin was found in the Port Monmouth section of Middletown. The other was found in Middle Township on Delaware Bay. Both were found Wednesday.

Fin whale ship strike

A 45-foot fin whale was killed after being struck by a freight ship according to to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The whale was still stuck on the bow of the vessel as it arrived at Cape Liberty in Bayonne. 

STRANDING: Dead whale in Toms River surf possibly hit by ship 

MORE: 41 humpback whale deaths in Atlantic force federal probe

Dan Radel: 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com