Wild Dolphin Societies

The mission of this research is to define bottlenose dolphin ecology to aid in their conservation. The primary goal of the proposed project is to continue the longitudinal, observational study of the resident Sarasota bottlenose dolphin community in support of research that addresses questions about the animal’s population biology, health, ecology, social structure and behavior. Many aspects of the lives of these long-lived mammals can be studied best through long term observations. Initiated in 1970 and supported by the Earth Watch Institute since 1982 this is the world’s longest running wild dolphin research program of its kind. Data collected by monthly observation teams will be applied to studies of human impacts, population dynamics, health assessment, mating systems, habitat use and social development. Teams of up to five volunteers and one or two staff members conduct surveys from a small boat to locate and observe members of the resident dolphin community and photograph them to confirm identifications. The results of projects supported by this research will be used to assist wildlife management agencies with the conservation of bottlenose dolphins in U.S. waters and will provide the basis for comparisons that will lead to a better understanding of the structure, function, health and evolution of dolphins.