Marine Science Center says the cause for recent sea bird deaths is still unknown

Twenty-six dead Northern Gannets have been brought in to the center since Valentine's Day.

By Emily Blackwood
| 8:49 p.m. February 22, 2016

One of many dead gannets washed ashore on Ormond Beach on Feb. 19 (Photo by J. Walker Fischer).

Ormond Beach Observer
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While Ormond Beach resident Walker Fischer was taking a stroll on the beach this past Friday, he counted four dead Northern Gannets and a pelican within a mile's walk.

The Volusia County Beach Patrol said the increase was not uncommon for this time of year. Due to migration patterns, there is an increase in the amount birds in the area, and they find a few dead birds every day. They believe the recents death are mostly like of natural causes.

However, the Marine Science Center reported a significant number of dead Northern Gannets this past week. Since Feb. 14, they've received 26 gannets and a few other types of sea birds.

"At the present time, we do not have a definitive answer on the cause of these numbers," said Michael Brothers of the science center. "We are getting additional information and hope to have a more complete picture soon."

This is an ongoing story. Check back for updates.