CHARLESTON COUNTY, SC (WCIV) — In just a few months, three dead dolphins were found in a part of the Lowcountry. Advocates urge boaters to be more careful at sea.

Biologists working to protect the dolphins that call the Folly River home say stranded and sick marine life is a huge problem and they have never seen so many dolphins killed in a short period of time.

“We handle about 50 or 60 animals each year,” said Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network Founder Lauren Rust. “But what is most concerning is that we have responded to three animals struck by boats in the Folly Beach, Folly River area since September.”

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network says the first case was reported in early September. A dolphin was shot, killed and captured in the Folly River.

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Then came another report a week later that a dolphin had been shot near Morris Island and its dorsal fin was missing. Last Sunday, Rust and his team responded to a dead dolphin at Folly Beach and said the dolphin died of infection after being shot.

“If we don’t deal with this or if we continue to put pressure on them, that can have impacts on individuals, and we’re seeing that, it can also have impacts on the population,” Rust says.

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network says environmental factors such as food supply or natural disasters can affect dolphin populations, but the rise of eco-tours poses an even greater threat as more boats pass through narrow waterways

“I think everyone loves dolphins,” Rust said. “I think we need to make sure we monitor dolphins in a sustainable way.”

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Rust says it’s illegal to harass dolphins and you should stay 50 feet away from the mammals.

“I don’t think anyone intentionally wants to harm dolphins,” Rust emphasized.

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network says you need to understand your impact on marine mammals. They say you shouldn’t chase or follow dolphins. They also encourage you to slow down in non-wake areas and wear polarized glasses when in the water so you can better see marine life.

Rust says Charleston is home to only 300 dolphins, so protecting them is crucial to the survival of the species.