Maryland Reminds Locals To Stay Alert For Marine Life As Dolphins Are Spotted Off Calvert County’s Shores

CALVERT COUNTY, Md. — Calvert County residents reported dolphin sightings over the weekend, joining Maryland residents up and down the Chesapeake Bay’s coast and along the Potomac River.

Dolphin sightings are common during this time of year in Maryland’s waterways. Scientists speculate that the bay sees these visitors in the summer months because they follow migratory fish. These mammals also may find the warmer waters free of large predators that would threaten their young. Between late spring and early fall, locals may spot dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales and more in the water.

And as you’re enjoying seeing the animals, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources asks that residents stay alert. Anyone who finds a distressed or injured marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland waters is encouraged to report it via the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944 or by using a simple online form to report deceased marine mammals or sea turtles.

Quick reporting can help save stranded or sick animals.

“Maryland has 3,190 miles of tidal coastline, and without reports from the public, it would be impossible to monitor every waterway,” said Stranding Response Program Director Amanda Weschler. “Each stranded animal — and the select necropsies we perform — provides valuable information that contributes to the scientific understanding of marine mammals and sea turtles in Maryland,” DNR wrote in a press release.

Last summer, the Chesapeake Dolphin Watch Network reported sightings throughout the season in the Potomac and the Chesapeake. The Dolphin Watch is active this summer, and residents can create an account to report their sightings and see the most recent map of animals spotted in the area.