There is not much that is more rewarding than to be a volunteer on projects that lead to new discovery or leading edge research. I was fortunate to have this opportunity twice this year. In March I accompanied the SDRP team and others to Argentina to work with Pablo Bordino. There was a fair amount of trepidation and tension leading up to the first tagging, not alleviated by the usual frustrations of engine problems and weather. Nobody had tried tagging these delicate animals before and equally did not know how the animals might react. Much to everybody’s relief the animals seemed to remain relatively calm. I do not think I will ever forget the unmitigated joy, tears, and smiles of the team when we tagged “Patricia,” the first of three animals. It was particularly inspiring to see so many young university students demonstrate such passion about what they were doing. I was also impressed by the fact that the local fishermen were involved in the project. The entire team was the warmest, most welcoming and greatest fun loving group you could meet. I would go back in a heartbeat! (Hint. Hint.). I did leave a fair amount of blood in the bellies of mosquitoes the time that we went radio tracking at midnight. Small price to pay for so much fun!  

In May I joined Leigh Klatsky on the Bermuda project – right in my own backyard. Having lived here for over 30 years it was great to be helping science understand a population of animals that the majority of Bermuda residents don’t know exists. It’s a little like looking for a needle in a haystack looking for dolphins around Bermuda but with the help of fishermen and others we succeeded. Having experienced the capture techniques in Sarasota it was fascinating to see the “hoop net” technique employed here – and the subsequent efforts to get the animals up on the deck! The fact that you could subsequently follow the track of the tagged animals on Dolphin Quest’s web site was great as it enabled the sharing of information with the public at large and school children in particular.

Having retired from a career in financial services it is particularly stimulating to be involved in these adventures, even if I up the average age a few years!! Thanks Randy, Pablo and Leigh for the opportunities. I am available (and cheap).