Wayward dolphins in N.J. river attract audience

updated 7:35 p.m. ET June 28, 2008

SEA BRIGHT, N.J. - Authorities in New Jersey are monitoring a group of wayward bottlenose dolphins isolated in the Shrewsbury River near the town of Sea Bright.

A federal official said Saturday that state police and Coast Guard boats were enforcing a 50-yard buffer around the dolphins.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spokeswoman Teri Frady said plans were being made to drive the dolphins out of the river and back out to sea. But she said that could be a risky operation.

In the meantime, biologists say the dolphins seem to be in good health as they feed on fish in the river.

Officials are worried about the many boats that have been crowding the river as people gather to watch the aquatic mammals.

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