Health assessment of three species of dolphins living in the West Florida Shelf: general and pulmonary health summaries from 2022-06-01 to 2024-05-31

Health assessments were performed on 12 dolphins over the West Florida Shelf from 2022-06-01 to 2024-05-31, using standard protocols (Wells et al. 2004; Barratclough et al. 2019). Individual dolphins were hoop-netted while riding at the bow of the research vessel, maneuvered onto a floating mat or the aft deck of the vessel, and examined and sampled by 2 veterinarians prior to tagging with a satellite-linked transmitter and release on-site. Lung function was assessed through ultrasound and spirometry. Three species were examined and sampled: Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis, n=6), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus, n=5), and a rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis, n=1). Narrative reports were prepared by the attending veterinarians, and individual lung function assessments were also prepared for each dolphin. A full listing of the actual measurements is provided in the dataset F3.x305.000:0001 (https://doi.org/10.7266/gccpb9s7). Research was performed under National Marine Fisheries Service Scientific Research Permit No. 26622, with annually reviewed IACUC approvals through Mote Marine Laboratory.