The Dolphin Project, Inc., established in 1989, is a nonprofit, all-volunteer organization engaged in conducting a long-term, scientific study of Tursiops truncatus (Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin) primarily in Georgia (US) estuarine waters. TDP members seek to contribute to the
understanding of marine mammals, expand the public's knowledge
and concern for our marine environment, and add to the
knowledge base of bottlenose dolphins through the
sharing of collected field data. Regular collaboration takes
place both formally and informally with many research
scientists, universities, other interested organizations and
government agencies The Dolphin
Project, Inc. is NOT an activist or political organization
and is not affiliated with any such
organizations.
TDP members conduct field research using 16-35 foot boats in sounds and tidal rivers from Hilton Head,
SC to Fernandina Beach, FL. (
see map) Our study is unique
among currently active dolphin research programs in its
longevity, quarterly abundance surveys and self-funding. While
the majority of our members come from Georgia, the Carolinas,
and Florida, we have members from many
other areas of the US
and other countries. Everyone in
The Dolphin Project is a
volunteer. No member receives a salary or stipend for
their work or commitment of equipment.
TDP members conduct quarterly abundance surveys
along Georgia estuarine waters to obtain the
relative
number of dolphins. Also, Photo ID surveys are conducted
from January
through November to track previously identified dolphin and
catalog new individuals.. A survey crew (minimum of four) is
comprised of a Team Leader, Skipper, Data Recorder, and
Photographer. To prepare for team positions TDP members attend a free, half-day training workshop (see
schedule). The surveys not only strive to determine the relative numbers of dolphins but also record their behavior
and photograph their dorsal fins for our
Photo
Identification Catalog. The photos allow us to
identify individuals and non-invasively
track animals
over time and space.
The Dolphin Project, Inc. does not advocate, support or
practice unlawful discrimination based on race, religion, age, national origin,
language, gender, sexual preference or physical handicap.
© 1994-2007 The Dolphin Project, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This includes, but is not limited to artwork, photographs and data.
Material cannot be reproduced, published or used in any manner without the express written consent of The Dolphin Project, Inc.