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The authorities discovered the dolphins between 1 February and 31 May. A majority of them – 98% – had died, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
This number is "three times the historical average recorded in the northern Gulf," said Erin Fougères, NOAA Marine Mammal Stranding Program Administrator.
Due to deaths and strandings of dolphins, the agency reported an unusual mortality event.
"We are seeing higher numbers in Mississippi and Louisiana and we are concerned about freshwater," Fougères said. "It's an unusually wet winter for the entire United States and it's the wettest winter in the Mississippi Valley for 124 years."
"Some of the dolphins have had freshwater skin lesions that are common with exposure to fresh water," she said.
Ferns said that dolphins have a small home range and are not leaving despite environmental changes. "They will not usually leave their area of residence," she said.
A survey team was created to examine the unusual number of dolphin deaths, said Teri Rowles, National Coordinator of the Marine Mammal Training Response Program for NOAA.
Investigators are exploring everything, including freshwater spills in the Gulf from the rainy winter, the food supply and the possible lingering effects of the Gulf oil spill in 2010.
"We urge the public to report all sick, stranded or dead dolphins to the local grounding network," Rowles said.
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