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The Wild Dolphin Project is a non-profit, scientific research organization that studies and reports on a specific pod of free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis). Objectives of this long-term, non-invasive field research are to gather information on the natural history of these dolphins, including behaviors, social structure, communication, and habitat; and to report what we have learned to the scientific community and the general public.
The Wild Dolphin Project had a wonderful 2010 field season in the Bahamas, with many sightings, and many new calves. We are looking forward to continuing our work next season, and would love to have you join us on a trip. The schedule will run from May to September 2011. Please contact our research office (
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, 561-575-5660) if you'd like to be among the first to be notified when trip dates are set.
Many thanks to our friends for your ongoing support!
An Interview with Denise Herzing
Listen online to an interview on iRadio with Dr. Herzing on the topic of the dolphin community, "In Their World, On Their Terms," on the iRadio program "In Discussion with David Gibbons." Log on to the iRadio Website and scroll down to the July 22 program.
You can also listen to "A Scientist's Report from the Gulf of Mexico" with Dr. Susan Shaw of the Marine Environmental research Institute from July 14.
WDP on WPTV!
On
Thursday July 15, Dr. Herzing and Dr. Elliser were interviewed by James
Wieland of WPTV in West Palm Beach, FL. Here's a link to the video -
from the WPTV main page, look under "More Featured Stories" for "Wild Dolphin Project Monitors Oil."
An Update on Oil and Dolphins – Dr. Denise Herzing
The Hidden Horror of the Oil Spill
July 2010
As many of you know, the oil spill is affecting thousands of fish, turtles, and dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, the images we are getting in the media are only from near-shore or stranded animals, likely the tip of the iceberg. Recent footage obtained by activist John Wathen, who flew over the spill, shows dolphins and whales in the oil slick, some belly-up already dead, others struggling to breathe in the toxic fumes. Because the spill is in an offshore area, it is the offshore species that will be most affected, and mostly out of our sight. In addition, there is currently a ban on air traffic, and to the media to show injured animals, unless they are on a boat with federal agents. Clearly this is an attempt to minimize public awareness of the impact, which is truly devastating.
The sad fact is that most of the animals caught in the offshore spill are probably already dead or doomed. But the suppression both of media and air documentation is a disservice to the public, and to the environment that is suffering terribly. It is inconceivable that our government, BP, and other agencies have taken this posture to give the American and global public the illusion of an under-control situation. Without the ability to bear witness to the death and destruction, it is likely we will not learn and will fail to change our habits, once again setting the stage for continued tragedies in the future.
We continue to monitor the dolphins in the Bahamas and the water in the Gulf Stream for evidence of oil. So far the oil has not reached our area, and we remain hopeful but vigilant. It is a tragedy that should never be allowed to happen again.
The Oil Spill - Will it affect dolphins in the Bahamas?
June 2010
As you all know, we have an environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spill has recently reached the "loop" current, which will potentially drive the oil to South Florida, through the Florida Keys, and up the East Coast. As many emergency management groups prepare for the potential crisis we, also, will be keeping an eye out for oil, both in the Bahamas and during our crossings of the Gulf Stream this summer.
Just recently we finished some important analysis of hurricane impacts on our two species of dolphins in the Bahamas. Now we are looking at assessing the impacts of oil. Although we hope that the oil does not reach our resident community of dolphins, all animals in the Gulf of Mexico and our Florida waters are at great risk.
Once again we see the importance of long-term baseline work so that when disasters happen we can monitor and witness the changes in hopes of reducing impact.
We'll keep a watchful eye out this summer, and keep you informed with our blog reports.
Summer Research Trip Information
We hope that you will decide to join us on Stenella and participate in an amazing research experience.
Visit our "FAQ" and “A Typical Day on Stenella” pages on this website for more information about the trips and a current participant application you can download.
All trips run from a Tuesday to a Thursday (10 days), and the Trip Schedule is based on departures and returns via Florida.
The Wild Dolphin Project Florida Expansion
We
began our new Florida Expansion Project in September 2009 with a great
first trip, during which we conducted an offshore survey and saw both
spotted and bottlenose dolphins (see our Fall 2009 newsletter link
above). Using the small boat in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) we have
gotten out almost every month and documented bottlenose dolphins on
~50% of our surveys. The weather has been the most trying part of this
process as there has been a lot of wind and rain this fall/winter,
making it difficult to schedule surveys in advance. Although we have
had limited field time this year, our success in finding dolphins shows
that the Florida work has a promising future.
The future also depends on current events. The
oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have detrimental effects on the
dolphins and other sea creatures along our coast. As the spill grows
larger, the ocean currents may bring the material up along the East
Coast of the US. This makes it even more imperative to learn as much as
we can about the dolphins and whales in our local waters so that we can
understand how the oil may affect them and their habitat.
Funding
is critical for this important work, and we are diligently seeking new
funding sources to support it. However, times are tough! Your support
of WDP will help us to continue this work, along with our main study in
the Bahamas. Whether through money or in-kind donations, every bit
helps!
Spread The Word!
FACEBOOK
WDP is on Facebook! Check us out and "Become a Fan." Tell your
friends and family. Video and photographs will be posted periodically
to give you updates on our project.
Buy and Sell on eBay for The Wild Dolphin Project (WDP)
WDP is part of the eBay Giving Works External Link program. So, you can support our mission when you buy and sell on eBay. Here’s how:
Buy: You can find whatever you're looking for on eBay, when you do, shop for items that benefit us. You can get a great deal and support WDP at the same time!
Sell: Did
you know that charity listings often get more - and higher - bids than regular eBay listings? Boost your sales and support our critical
work while you’re at it! Plus eBay gives back to you too, with a credit on your basic selling fees. Just designate our organization to receive 10-100% of your final sale price the next time you list something great. Support WDP when you sellon eBay!
Click here to Buy and Sell now to support WDP!
Wild Dolphin Project Videos
EXPLORE VIDEO
Check out a video that the Explore team at the Annenberg Foundation produced documenting Dr. Herzing and her dedication to studying dolphins in the wild. Get the inside scoop from an interview Dr. Herzing had with the Explore team.
And thanks to CONSERVATION MAVEN for featuring this video on their Website.
EDUCATIONAL VIDEO
Thanks to JTK Communications you can view the presentation that we give to public schools, organizations and clubs right on your own computer! JTK Communications recorded the presentation given by Dr. Cindy Elliser, at Scuba Delray on July 8, 2009. Check it out!
THE RELEASE OF CUTTER!!
The Wild Dolphin Project is proud to have been a part of a team of organizations and people who helped successfully release a spotted dolphin, Cutter, back into the wild. Check out Dr. Herzing's blog to learn more about Cutter and his new home! CLICK HERE and see the video made for Marine Mammal Conservancy. You can learn more about Cutter and MMC at http://www.marinemammalconservancy.org
2008 GUGGENHEIM FELLOW
Dr. Denise L. Herzing, Research Director and Founder of The Wild Dolphin Project, has been recently recognized by the John Simon Guggenheim Foundation as a 2008 Fellow. This prestigious award recognizes Herzing’s dedication as a scientist and was “appointed on the basis of stellar achievement and exceptional promise for continued accomplishment” which is stated in Guggenheim Foundation’s press release on April 3, 2008.
“I am most honored to have been chosen among both current and past Guggenheim Fellows. I thank those who have helped me pursue my dream of studying wild dolphins” states Dr. Herzing. This award will help in the writing of her book, which will illuminate the lives of these dolphins - “In Their World, On Their Terms”.
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