Our approach toward helping dolphins
January, 2012
Our desire with each research or conservation project in Florida or elsewhere is to contribute to a better understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans (dolphins, whales, and porpoises), as well as the natural and anthropogenic factors (factors of human origin) that impact them.
We use an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within a unique long-term natural laboratory. The primary goals of our program include:
(1) collecting biological, behavioral, ecological, and health data of importance to the conservation of small cetaceans, especially bottlenose dolphins,
(2) providing requisite information for bottlenose dolphin conservation to wildlife management agencies,
(3) disseminating the information generated by our program to scientific and general audiences in order to aid dolphin conservation efforts,
(4) using our model program to develop and refine hypotheses regarding bottlenose dolphins in other parts of the species’ range as well as other species of small cetaceans,
(5) using the established natural laboratory to develop and test new research tools and methodologies of potential benefit to conservation efforts,
(6) training cetacean conservation workers and students from around the world in the use of these techniques,
(7) applying our unique expertise to dolphin rescue operations and post-release follow-up monitoring, and
(8) applying the information we gather from free-ranging dolphins to improve the quality of care for dolphins in zoological park settings.
The collaborative work done in partnerships toward achieving these goals is conducted under the umbrella of the “Sarasota Dolphin Research Program.” This name links the efforts of several organizations and individuals that work together to insure the continuity of the long-term dolphin research in Sarasota Bay.
The SDRP has been operated by the Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) since 1989, and is administered through the CZS Dolphin Research and Conservation Institute. Dolphin Biology Research Institute, a Sarasota-based 501{c}3 non-profit corporation established in 1982, provides logistical support with its fleet of four small research vessels, two towing vehicles, computers, cameras, field equipment, etc.
The program got its start at Mote Marine Laboratory during 1970-72, and since 1992, Mote has provided a convenient base on City Island in Sarasota Bay, with office, storage and dock space, and easy access to good boat launching ramps. The SDRP maintains academic connections including graduate student opportunities primarily through the University of California at Santa Cruz, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, Duke University, University of Florida, and the University of South Florida.
All of our bottlenose dolphin research in the United States is conducted under NOAA Fisheries Scientific Research Permits and Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee approvals through the appropriate institutions.
