DELMARVA-If you're a beachgoer on Delmarva, you may have seen, or heard about dolphins washing up on Delaware and Virginia beaches. The MERR Institute is investigating some of those deaths that occurred in Delaware.
So far there have been nearly 10.
"We've had eight bottlenose dolphins so far, four of those have been calves, and then we had a striped dolphin, a little more of a rare species for us, and a common dolphin earlier this season," said Suzanne Thurman, executive director of the MERR Institute.
Thurman says these deaths are the result of natural mortality, as well as toxins in the marine environment.
"They impact the mother, and then she transfers those to the babies," Thurman said.
Dolphins have been found on Rehoboth Beach, on Fenwick Island, even on Chincoteague Island, among other beaches.
"We always like to remind people, don't push them back into the water," Thurman said. "If a dolphin comes to shore, that means something is wrong."
Beachgoers like Kevin Burrey was disappointed to hear the news.
"We usually always see dolphins and it's quite the sight to be in the water and have them right there with you," he said.
Thurman says if you come into contact with a deceased dolphin, to contact the Merr Institute immediately by calling 302-228-5029.
