Bottlenose Dolphin Field Research for ages 12-17

The Dolphin Project is pleased to announce a collaboration with the University of Georgia's Marine Education Center and Aquarium located on Skidaway Island in Savannah to allow students ages 12-17 the opportunity to experience field research on bottlenose dolphins in Georgia estuarine waters.  Additionally, materials including film and photo processing have been generously donated by Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment Marine Laboratory.

The program is geared toward students ages 12-17 who cannot participate in field surveys with The Dolphin Project due to age (minimum boat-based survey age is 18). This is NOT a dolphin tour and not meant to be geared toward the adult in the group - adults can become a member and participate in regular TDP abundance and photo identification surveys (see survey schedule and training schedule).

A training session on data sheet entry, terminology, water quality equipment used, field research techniques plus general information concerning bottlenose dolphin will take place on shore prior to conducting the field study. After boarding the MECA skiffs each individual on the team will be responsible for one area of the field research during any sightings.  There is no guarantee dolphin will be present in the study area at the time the field research is conducted. If usable photo id images are obtained, they may be included in The Dolphin Project photo id catalog. 

The program will run quarterly from 9 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. on Saturdays:

*NOTE: The quarterly Saturday program is limited to 10 participants. All materials (film, cameras, water quality equipment, forms, etc) will be provided. The MECA education staff involved are also US Coast Guard licensed captains who will operate the skiffs with passenger safety foremost.  We will go out in rain, sunshine or cold – please dress appropriately and bring your lunch and drinks.  We cannot guarantee that dolphin will be present in the study areas – they are wild animals!

Due to the popularity of this program, participants must pay the University of Georgia activity fee ($18.00/person) in advance to secure their reservation. Child(ren) must be accompanied by an adult that can be legally responsible for their child(ren).

Information concerning contacts, other programs, signup and payment can be found at http://www.uga.edu/aquarium/pubprogs/pubprogs.html  (this page is updated quarterly with all the public programs offered by MECA)  or EMAIL or   telephone  (912) 598-2340