Are 6 dolphin deaths along N.J. Shore linked to fishing?

     Dolphins along the New Jersey Shore. (AP/file photo)

    Dolphins along the New Jersey Shore. (AP/file photo)

    SHIP BOTTOM, N.J. — Officials are trying to determine if the deaths of six dolphins along the New Jersey shore in one week are linked to commercial fishing.

    The first washed up on Long Beach Township on July 18. Two were found in Holgate and Barnegat Light on Monday. Two more turned up on Wednesday in Holgate and Ocean City. The last was found in Ship Bottom on Thursday.

    Bob Schoelkopf of the Marine Mammal Stranding Center tells The Press of Atlantic City one dolphin had a knife wound running from its neck down its stomach. Two others showed signs of being ensnared in a fishing net.

    Officials are awaiting results of necropsies.

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