About the Belize Bottlenose Dolphin Research Projects
Bottlenose dolphins inhabit temperate and tropical waters throughout the world. They are gregarious, herding animals living within complex social groups.
This study will focus on the habitat use and behavior of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) along the Belizean coast.
This project was initiated by Oceanic Society Expeditions in 1992 at Turneffe Atoll, in cooperation with the Belize government and under a special research permit from the Belize Fisheries Department and the Forestry Department.
From 1992 through 1996 The Oceanic Society conducted a baseline study of bottlenose dolphins at Turneffe Atoll. In 1997 the study moved to Spanish Lookout Caye to learn if Turneffe dolphins were also using the more coastal Drowned Caye habitat. Catalogs of identified individuals have been compiled for each study site.
To date, preliminary analysis seems to indicate that the dolphins from Turneffe and the Drowned Cayes consist of a combination of resident groups and animals seen less frequently called transients. To date individually recognizable dolphins from Turneffe have not yet been found at the Drowned Cayes indicating that the two populations have non-overlapping distributions.
Beginning in 2001, with the opening of the Blackbird -Oceanic Society Field Station, the project will evolve to studying dolphin habitat use focusing on the spatial, temporal and behavioral patterns of habitat use by bottlenose dolphins. As a component of studying how different species of animals use the habitat at Turneffe, we will also collect data on manatee distribution. We will examine dolphin foraging patterns as well as continue our long-term baseline monitoring of dolphin distribution along Belize's coast.
Q. What is the long-term goal of the project?
A. The study will provide information on the behavior, ecology and social organization of bottlenose dolphins in a different type of habitat from which they have been previously studied. The goal is to obtain a data base for a population of dolphins in an area that is in a relatively pristine state in order to be able to study any subsequent changes in their behavior and distribution due to increasing human pressures. Study results will be important in efforts to have the Turneffe Atoll area and offshore cayes declared a marine sanctuary.
Q. What are the short-term goals of the project?
A. By studying the spatial and temporal use of the habitat by bottlenose dolphins, we hope to identify key areas of use and whether area use varies seasonally or by individuals. We also hope to assess whether certain behavioral states such as feeding occur in some areas more than others.
Q. How is the research accomplished?
A. Data will be collected under the guidance of the researcher primarily from 23-foot skiffs, with a canopy top and vertical swim ladder. Using data sheets, information will be collected on the distribution, and social behavior of dolphins. Surface still photographs will be used to identify individual dolphins from natural markings or scars. A video recorder will be used to document surface behaviors. Underwater still photography will be used for photo-identification of individual animals. Opportunistic underwater viewing will permit the determination of sex of individual dolphins and association patterns of group members. Environmental data includes temperature, salinity, water clarity, and satellite position.
Q. What would my role be in the research?
A. You will help with all aspects of data collection: searching for dolphins, assisting with the identification of individual animals, collecting sighting, behavioral and environmental data. Participants become research assistants; recording dolphin behaviors on data sheets as they are called out by the researcher, and logging information produced by scientific equipment.
As opportunities arise, weather and dolphins permitting, you may be able to slip into the water with the dolphins, to determine their gender and better observe and record their underwater behavior.
Specific research activities will depend on your interest, swimming and snorkeling skills. For your safety, during our surveys, our experienced researcher will determine the appropriate time to allow snorkelers in the water with dolphins based on the dolphins' behavior and sea conditions at the time.
Q. Why Belize?
A The offshore cayes of Belize are a unique natural system in a relatively pristine state: There are few areas that encompass the extent and diversity of highly-productive tropical, coastal and marine ecosystems characteristic of Central America. The habitat is characterized by seagrass beds, coral reefs and mangroves. Belize offers warm shallow water and the consistent presence of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins.
Q. What if I don't have any experience in research or with dolphins?
A. Not many people do. We will teach you all the things you need to know in order to participate on the level you choose. We will have evening discussions about dolphins, dolphin communication, manatees, other marine mammal research projects, and about coral reef and mangrove ecology.
Q. How can I best prepare for the research?
A Familiarize yourself with the Research Plan, which will be sent to all registered participants.