Distressed dolphin rescued after getting caught in illegal net under St. Pete bridge

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — A call from a concerned citizen likely saved the life of a distressed dolphin after its tail got trapped in a net in St. Petersburg last week, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said .

While near a bridge, the citizen “heard the dolphin’s loud, labored breaths coming from below the bridge and observed it struggling to reach the water’s surface.”

The FWC’s marine mammal response team quickly arrived to find the distressed dolphin struggling in the water. The dolphin’s tail was entangled in a monofilament net, which was also wrapped around the piling of the bridge.

“Our team lifted the dolphin to the surface to breathe and expose a monofilament net entanglement wrapped around the dolphin’s tail and anchored to the bridge piling,” the FWC said.

Following their quick actions, the response team was able to hold the dolphin, allowing it to breathe while others worked to remove the net. The dolphin was freed and safely swam away.

“Thanks to the timely report from the citizen, the dolphin was freed and swam away alive. Had their call been delayed by even a few moments, the dolphin likely wouldn’t have had a chance at survival,” the agency shared. “This response highlights the important role the public has in wildlife rescue, as this dolphin would have most likely drowned if not for this citizen’s report to FWC.”

According to the FWC, monofilament and other fishing gear entanglements are common threats to marine mammals which can result in serious injury and even death. After the dolphin was free, the agency found the net was likely an illegal gillnet.

To ensure fishers have the proper gear, the FWC urges citizens to become familiar with fishing regulations, and handling methods. Visit here for more information .

Anyone who comes across any entangled marine mammals or wildlife is asked to contact the FWC’s Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.

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