Belize Bottlenose Dolphin Project

Description:

Assist researchers studying the behavioral ecology of bottlenose dolphins at the Oceanic Society's research station located at Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll. The atoll is composed of mangrove islands, seagrass beds and coral reefs that form an intricately related system. Although bottlenose dolphins have been generally well documented, to date there have not been any long-term studies in such a diverse ecosystem. The warm waters of Belize are conducive to surface and underwater studies of dolphin behavior and ecology.

In 1992, the Oceanic Society initiated a long-term study of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) aimed at documenting their abundance, distribution, and behavioral ecology in Belize. Oceanic Society researchers have found Belize dolphins exhibiting similarities to and differences from bottlenose dolphins studied elsewhere. This may be due to the unique ecosystem found in Belize and the behavioral flexibility of the bottlenose dolphins.

The research will focus on dolphin behavior in the context of specific habitats. As a research assistant, you will accompany the researcher to known dolphin "hot-spots" within the atoll. Our goal is to determine habitat use and our days are spent working in small teams, recording dolphin behavior on standard data sheets, plotting location, and identifying dolphins individually through natural markings.

At locations where dolphin sightings occur, the researcher with the assistance of those volunteers comfortable with snorkeling, will conduct underwater examinations of the habitat and record prey availability while boat-based team members collect environmental data. Opportunistically and at the discretion of the researcher, we will also attempt to observe the dolphins' behavior underwater.

Manatees are found in our study site and opportunistically we will also collect data on their distribution. All research is conducted from small boats inside the atoll. You must know how to swim but no other skills are required to participate.

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The project is headquartered at our research facility Blackbird-Oceanic Society Field Station. Blackbird Caye is bordered by white sand beaches and situated adjacent to a series of coral islets that comprise Turneffe Atoll's fringing reef. The reef waters are clear and pristine. The station offers comfortable beachfront cabanas with private porches, and double occupancy rooms with private baths. Meals are served in a beautiful dining "palapa" with ocean views. Snorkeling from our beach is excellent and there will be some free time for boat-based snorkeling, nature walks, and bird watching.

Itinerary:

Day 1:
Belize City/Blackbird Caye. Arrive in Belize City. 90-minute boat transfer to Blackbird Caye, Turneffe Atoll.

Day 2:
Morning orientation and training; snorkeling checkout from beach. Afternoon boat-based training in equipment use.

Day 3 thru 7:
Dolphin research in mornings and afternoons with lunch break at the lodge. This program also includes, some time for guided snorkeling and natural history exploration

Day 8:
Return to Belize City. Fly home.

Optional Extensions:

XUNANTUNICH OR TIKAL MAYAN RUINS