Three dolphins were found dead on Thursday morning.
The Venice police department assisted Mote scientists with the recovery of two bottlenose dolphins- one on Siesta Key, the other in Nokomis. A third dolphin was found around 130am near Turtle Beach. That brings the total to nine dead dolphins recovered since Tuesday.
Officials say red tide is more than likely a factor in the dolphin deaths, but Mote will conduct necropsies to determine an official cause of death.
Anyone who sees marine life in danger is asked to call the FWC, who can be reached on marine VHF radios on channel 16. You can also call the FWC at 888-404-3922.