More than 40 dolphins spotted off Bald Head Island and Oak Island

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Researchers surveying the waters off Bald Head Island and Oak Island recently spotted dozens of dolphins, including a mother and calf hunting together near the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

Cape Fear Dolphin Research reported observing an estimated 42 to 45 dolphins during two encounters on Friday, Oct. 30.

The first encounter occurred approximately one mile offshore of Bald Head Island, along the edge of the shipping channel near the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

Researchers estimated that 12 to 15 dolphins were in the area, but one mother-calf pair stood out.

According to the research group, the young dolphin was actively chasing fish alongside its mother, appearing to practice the hunting skills it will need as it grows older.

Researchers say these early experiences help young dolphins develop the skills necessary to find food independently.

Neither the mother nor the calf matched dolphins currently documented in the organization’s local dorsal fin photo-identification catalog.

Dozens of dolphins spotted near Oak Island

The research team’s second encounter took place approximately two miles offshore of the Oak Island Lighthouse.

There, researchers observed an estimated 30 dolphins spread across the area in smaller groups of five or six.

Rather than traveling together in one large group, the dolphins were actively searching for food.

The two encounters brought the day’s estimated total to 42 to 45 dolphins.

Researching dolphins along the Cape Fear coast

Cape Fear Dolphin Research also documented environmental conditions during the survey.

The organization conducts dolphin surveys to better understand and help protect marine mammals living in and around the Cape Fear region.

The research group shared photographs and video of the mother and calf hunting together during the survey.