River Dolphin Research

Assist biologists and collect data to help protect Suriname dolphins known locally as profosu. Working in collaboration with a local grass-roots organization Green Heritage Fund, this project represents the first Research/Monitoring Programme in Suriname on wild dolphins.

Found in mouths of Suriname Rivers, profosu or Sotalia resembles the bottlenose dolphin physically. Likely threatened by incidental net entanglement and habitat degradation due to on-going dredging, information is needed to assess impacts on the regional population. The overall goal is to intiate a long-term monitoring program to provide recommendations for effective conservation strategies.

Based on preliminary observations, an estimated 100 dolphins frequent the study site. Working side-by-side with the researcher, we survey the Suriname river, plotting dolphin location, collecting environmental data, identifying individuals through natural markings, and recording dolphin behavior on standard data sheets. Field work is conducted from our chartered sturdy 26-foot motorized, wooden “piaka” with shade cover.

We stay in a small town on the river and conduct daily dolphin surveys. Volunteers will be trained in the use of equipment and sampling techniques. While we will be in the field for 4-6 hrs during the day, there will be free time for bird watching and exploring. A introductory field trip will provide an introduction to the fascinating cultural and natural history of Suriname.

Itinerary:

Day 1 thur 2:

Miami/Paramaribo. City tour. Project orientation.

Day 3 thru 7:

Morning and afternoon dolphin surveys. Return to port for lunch. One half day natural history field trip.

Day 8:

Morning dolphin survey. debrief and farewell.

Day 9:

Paramaribo/Miami

Researcher: Virginia Fuhs

2010 Dates:

To be announced

2010 Cost:

To be announced

Maximum Limit: 8

Detailed Trip Information

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