Scientists investigate dolphin deaths on SC coast

TheTandD.com (Orangeburg, SC): Scientists investigate dolphin deaths on SC coast
CHARLESTON - Scientists are investigating after eight bottlenose dolphins have washed up on the South Carolina coast during the past nine days.

The Post and Courier of Charleston reports the carcasses have been found on rivers and beaches in the Charleston area.

Wayne McFee with the National Ocean Service's does necropsies on the dolphins. He says a dolphin that dies because of contamination or a virus can give an indication of conditions along the coast that could affect humans.

McFee says dolphins that have died offshore are being pushed onto the coast by winds. In an average year, about 40 dolphins and 10 whales are found stranded on South Carolina beaches.