May 09 2026
Neighbor Fest at Richmond Hill History Museum
11460 Ford Ave. Richmond Hill, GA
Dolphins face growing threats from pollution, habitat loss, and human interaction. Through research, education, and community engagement, The Dolphin Project works to protect and preserve these incredible animals for future generations.
Founded in 1989, The Dolphin Project is the longest running and largest all-volunteer, non-profit (501c3) Research, Education and Conservation organization dedicated to the protection of the wild, estuarine bottlenose dolphins and our shared environment. TDP follows the guidelines of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and conducts Photo-ID dolphin research.
Our Impact
Studying and Protecting Dolphins for More Than Three Decades
For more than three decades, volunteers and researchers have worked together to study and protect estuarine bottlenose dolphins through field research, photo-identification monitoring, and community engagement.
36
Years of Research
1,032
Dolphins Identified
953
Sighting Records
3,233
Photographs
Why Our Research Matters
Why Surveys Matter
Each survey helps document dolphin populations, health, and behavior. Long-term monitoring allows researchers to detect changes in population trends and respond to emerging threats in coastal ecosystems.
Why Photo Identification Matters
Photo identification allows researchers to recognize individual dolphins by their unique dorsal fins. Tracking individuals over time helps scientists understand population size, social structure, habitat use, and long-term health trends.
Why Estuarine Dolphins Need Monitoring
Estuarine bottlenose dolphins live in coastal waters increasingly affect by pollution, vessel traffic, and habitat changes. Long-term monitoring helps scientists identify emerging threats and guide conservation efforts.
Ways You Can Help Protect Dolphins
Volunteer
Join our field research team and help collect critical photo-ID data that protects estuarine dolphins along our coastal waters.
Adopt a Dolphin
Symbolically adopt a dolphin and directly support long-term monitoring and conservation research.
Donate
Your contribution funds research, equipment, and education programs that protect local dolphins.
Join Us Today
Becoming a member of The Dolphin Project helps support over 30 years of dolphin research, conservation, and education.
Members contribute in many ways —some participate in research surveys while others support outreach events, education programs and conservation efforts.
Members play an important role in protecting our local dolphin population while also gaining access to exclusive updates, member events, and opportunities to engage with our research.
The Bottlenose Boutique is now open! Be one of the first to get a TDP Dolphin Research shirt! Additional merchandise coming soon!
Animals
0
Species
0
Visitor per Year
0
No matter your current career or background, you can make a difference in dolphin conservation. Protecting dolphins means protecting our oceans and the life within them. Every survey and every volunteer helps build the knowledge needed to protect the dolphins in our local waters.
Nicole Neininger
President
The Dolphin Project
