What We Do
Our 40-year study of the Sarasota dolphin community continues. Only by studying dolphins throughout the seasons and throughout their lives, can we know how to protect them.
In 1970, the question was “do they reside here or just pass through?” Now the questions are more complex as we study a wild dolphin community in what has become a natural laboratory.
Only by studying dolphins throughout the seasons and throughout their lives, can we know how to protect them.
SDRP staff and volunteers pull net during sampling of dolphin prey fish
Pioneering the use of long-term dolphin surveys, we have learned about dolphin social behavior and habitat needs. This work continues year round.
We have also led on field research to help determine the natural and human-caused threats to dolphin health.
Our international team of veterinarians and researchers collaborates to conducts these annual health assessments, and the results are shared widely. The health assessments have helped advance veterinary knowledge to treat sick dolphins, in the wild and in captivity.
Conservation scientist from Cuba Mexico gather between training workshops
We believe we have the responsibility to rescue individual dolphins that need our help when physically endangered by human causes.
Our communication and acoustic experiments expand our understanding of dolphin ecology and conservation needs.
As part of the research effort SDRP help extends nationally and internationally, and SDRP is a training ground for biologists and conservation scientist from around the world.
We also test new gear and techniques that assist dolphin and whale researchers world wide.
All photos © Sarasota Dolphin Research Program under NMFS permit #522-1785
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