Create 'human chains' to save the herd of dolphins trapped under the bridge

Volunteers held hands to form a "human chain" to lead four dolphins to swim across the bridge and escape the Florida water channel on September 19.

Herd of dolphins, including two juveniles, has been trapped in a canal near Fossil Park, Florida, since September 15. When the authorities of the Florida Wildlife Service (FWC) received the news, the dolphins did not appear nervous. They waited to see if they could swim out of the canal by the tide, but after a day, the dolphins were still stuck. The FWC decided to map water channels to plan their release.

Rescuers have formed a long "chain", then use sound and vibration to guide the dolphins out.

The rescue team collaborated with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration with the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to wade into the canal and herd the dolphins. Experts say that the height and sound from the nearby bridge act as a barrier to prevent the dolphins from swimming. So rescuers formed a long "chain of people" , then used sounds and vibrations to guide the dolphins to the Riviera Bay.

Dolphins use sound waves to locate underwater. When emitting high-frequency sounds, dolphins decode the echoes of sound waves transmitted from objects to find their way. The entire rescue process lasts 45 minutes. Everything went according to plan. Rescue teams don't have to use nets or any other equipment that can scare dolphins.

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