Watch: Human Chain Coaxes Trapped Dolphins Out Of St. Pete Canal

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — How do you coerce a group of trapped, frightened dolphins out of a canal and back into the open waters?

On Tuesday morning, a group of 14 staff from the Clearwater Florida Aquarium, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission jumped into the canal, formed a human chain and gently redirected the dolphins back out into the bay.

Residents alerted the FWC that a group of four dolphins — two adults and two calves — had been in a canal near 4th Street North and 78th Avenue for several days, and seemed unable to find their way back out.

By forming a human chain and gently slapping the water, the staff members prevented the dolphins from venturing further up the canal and were able to overcome the dolphins’ fear of passing beneath the bridges over the canal, which the dolphins perceived as obstacles between them and the bay.

This kind of rescue should only be attempted by trained personnel who are authorized under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. FWC staff want to remind residents not to attempt such a rescue themselves. To report stranded marine life, call 727-441-1790, ext. 1.