Rare dolphin washes up in Haida Gwaii

The carcass of a rare species of dolphin washed up on the shore of Haida Gwaii in B.C. this weekend.

Two local residents discovered a female Risso's dolphin washed up on a beach Feb. 20. The species isfound worldwide in warmer climates but is rarely sighted in Canadian waters.

A pair of researchers from the Vancouver Aquarium and the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Networkwere on the island and helped drag the 3.3-metreslonganimal away from shore.

The researchers performed a necropsy two days later.

"Marine mammals act as sentinels for our oceans. Not only does a necropsy and sample collection help us understand the individual's health, but it also provides information about the health of the marine environment," said Caitlin Birdsallof the B.C. Cetacean Sightings Network.

The cause of death was not immediately determined. Researchers collected samples from blubber, organ and fluid for further testing.

The skeleton will be cleaned and later displayed at a local site.