Dolphins are being observed in the Shrewsbury River. SEA BRIGHT - The pod, or group, of coastal bottlenose dolphins that are attracting much attention from locals and media outlets alike appear healthy and normal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The 12 to 15 dolphins, which is the largest number of dolphins to be spotted in the area, are currently feeding in the Shrewsbury River.

According to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) in Brigantine, safety concerns for the dolphins have been raised as a result of the expected increase in boat traffic over the July 4 holiday.

"We've been concerned about traffic on the river throughout and certainly if there are more boats that's potentially a problem," said NOAA spokeswoman Teri Frady.

MMSC founding director Bob Schoelkopf said his organization along with NOAA, the National Marine Fisheries Service, the United States Coast Guard and other marine mammal specialists are working together to formulate a removal plan for the dolphins.

Frady said they are planning for a number of contingencies, including removal of the dolphins, but they are not planning for that within the next few days.

"To move them can be pretty risky for the dolphins. It's not always successful and it could cause stress," she said. "We just don't want to get into a situation where we have to rescue dolphins that were fine before."

Frady said the removal could cause death or the dolphins could start to strand, or come up onto the beach. She said the dolphins could also strand in the water.

"It's not abnormal for coastal bottlenose dolphins to enter a high-saline river like this one in the summer to feed on the abundant prey," said Larry Hansen, Protected Resources branch leader at NOAA Fisheries Service laboratory in Beaufort, N.C., in a press release. "I urge people to take advantage of the chance to see and appreciate these animals, but to do so from at least 50 yards away."

According to the release, NOAA biologists are taking the lead on the day-to-day monitoring of the dolphins.

Frady said they are currently working on an extendedmonitoring plan that would include observation and assessment.

"The dolphins appear to be quite normal, they are feeding, and don't appear to be exhibiting any stressrelated behavior. They appear quite happy," she said.

NOAA researchers onsite have observed the dolphins actively feeding on menhaden, a type of fish that are currently quite plentiful in the river, according to the release.

Frady said the animals are coastal bottlenose dolphins probably from the northern migratory group, which are common off New Jersey this time of year.

"We think they probably are there for the same reason everybody else is this time of year. The weather's good, food's good and they are socializing," she said, adding, "There possibly could be something else going on like they could be sick in some way but they don't appear that way. They appear to be acting in a way that would not make us think there is a problem."

Reported sightings of the pod, which includes juveniles,

began on June 15, according MMSC.

Schoelkopf said previously the Shrewsbury River is a known hazard and several animals have gotten trapped in the water and were unable to get back out into the ocean.

He said in the past they have netted several dolphins in the area to move them

to open water but have also lost others.

According to NOAA, the biggest threat to the dolphins is people harassing them.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) prohibits the taking of marine mammals. The term "take" means to harass, hunt, capture, kill, feed or attempt any of the activities.

Frady said NOAA is encouraging people to stay at least 50 yards away from the dolphins; not to approach them, feed them, or get into the water; and not to interfere with their natural behaviors.

Although dolphins have a reputation for being friendly, they are wild animals and interactions with people can change their behavior for the worse, according to NOAA's Protect Dolphins flier.

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a notice to mariners cautioning vessel operators to be cautious and use safe speeds in the area, and to keep a safe distance if the dolphins are present, said Frady.

She said the notice is being rebroadcast every 30 minutes.

NOAA Office of Law Enforcement special agents, conservation officers from the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife and the New Jersey State Police officers are assisting with enforcement laws that prohibitmarinemammal harassment, according to the release.

Federal law prohibits interference with the dolphins' natural behavior, and harassment is punishable by fines of up to $10,000, according to the release. If you see an injured dolphin or other marinemammal in the area, contact the MMSC at 609- 266-0538.