A "resight" consists of an image of a distinctive dolphin from a particular survey being matched to an image(s) of a known individual already in the database. Re-sighting an individual dolphin can reveal information concerning its movement patterns and social affiliations.

All tracings are classified as one of six types of dorsal fin patterns: (1) Leading notch--fins that have distinct notches on the leading edge of the dorsal fin, (2) Top notch--fins with a notch in the tip of the fin where the leading edge and trailing edge meet, (3) Chopped fins--fins with a chopped off dorsal (or major part of the fin missing), (4) Single notch--fins with one distinct notch, (5) 2 or 3 notches--fins with two or three notches, and (6) Greater-than or equal to 4--fins with four or more notches. 

Results of each survey are recorded on a data-sheet. They are then entered into the computer Photo-Id database. A hard copy for each survey period is then printed and checked against the slide catalog to ensure that the correct data were entered into the computer database.

The number of identified dolphins (new and re-sights) for each sighting event are also added to the sighting database.

The Dolphin Project works with other researchers by submitting images from the TDP Photo ID Catalog to the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog (MABDC). This collaborative of research groups along the Atlantic coast contribute fin images and curate this universal coastal catalog to better understand resident and transient dolphin populations on a larger scale.

Please direct all inquiries to John Teate.