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.