Dolphin swimming in Freeport canal monitored by marine rescue group, town

An animal rescue group is working with state officials to monitor a dolphin that was spotted swimming deep into canals between Freeport and Baldwin.

The Riverhead-based New York Marine Rescue was monitoring the dolphin spotted shortly after 2 p.m. swimming in a canal near homes and businesses, north of Baldwin Bay and south of Atlantic Avenue in Freeport, officials said.

The dolphin was swimming freely and moving through the channels after Hempstead Town Bay Constables limited boat traffic, said Maxine Montello, executive director of the marine rescue. She said they are working with the State Department of Environmental Conservation.

"The least stressed method for the animal is for it to figure its way out on its own," Montello said. "We will monitor the behavior of the animal and make sure nothing has changed. There are ways to herd or guide the animal out of the area and remains safe."

The waterways include industrial boat channels with little vegetation or sandbars in the water, Montello said.

She said marine experts would monitor the dolphin to determine it is healthy and if not, would initiate rescue operations to support the animal if necessary.

Experts urged residents to avoid the area to give the dolphin space, noting the mammal is federally protected.

"We don’t want people getting too close," Montello said. "The first thing the animal wants is to move away from humans, so we don’t want people on top of it."

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.