SEA GIRT - Three bottlenose dolphins and two pygmy whales have stranded on Jersey Shore beaches in the last week.

The dolphins washed up deceased while the whales were in poor health and were euthanized shortly after beaching. The cause of the dolphin deaths is not known, but the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine sent one dolphin for a necropsy.

The latest dolphin washed up Monday at Sea Girt in such deteriorated condition that it was buried in the sand at the site, said Bob Schoelkopf, the executive director of the center.

Another dolphin washed up at Sea Isle City on Monday and a third at Sea Bright on Oct. 3. The Sea Isle City dolphin had a scar from a shark bite, Schoelkopf said. That dolphin is having a necropsy performed to help identify the cause of death.

In the 10-minute documentary at the top of this story, we explore some of the large marine life at the Jersey Shore and the perils they face.

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The pygmy sperm whales, a mother, and her calf, beached at Brigantine Oct. 4 and were beyond rescue, Schoelkopf said. The whales' measurements were collected.

Schoelkopf said the mammal strandings may be attributed to rough conditions created by a pair of recent hurricanes.

"Some of the weaker animals tire in the currents and wash up," said Schoelkopf.

Dan Radel: 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com