The Wild Dolphin Project's Annual Special Event

2025 Wild Ocean Science

Featuring Dr. Sylvia A. Earle

 

We hosted our annual Wild Ocean Science evening at Loggerhead Marinelife Center — and what a night it was!

 

Dr. Sylvia Earle "Her Deepness" joined the Wild Dolphin Project for a Wild Ocean Science on Saturday, March 22nd. Our 7th annual signature event, Wild Ocean Science, took place at Loggerhead Marinelife Center in Juno Beach, Florida.  Sylvia is an Accomplished American marine biologist, explorer, author, and lecturer. Earle has been a National Geographic Explorer-in-residence since 1998, the first female chief scientist of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and was named by Time Magazine as its first Hero for the Planet in 1998. Journalist and PBS Newshour Correspondent, Miles O'Brien, is the special guest host and master of ceremonies.

 

Over 250 guests joined us for cocktails, book signings, photographs, and a powerful presentation by Dr. Sylvia Earle alongside our own Dr. Denise Herzing.

The crowd was so enthusiastic, we ran out of seats! We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who helped make the night such a success.

A big thank you to Wild Ocean Science's sponsors and supporters! 

 

 

2023 Wild Ocean Science features Carl Safina

Carl Safina presented "Animal Minds, Animal Cultures" at Wild Ocean Science on Saturday, February 25th. Our 6th annual signature event, Wild Ocean Science, took place at Eissey Campus Theatre in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Carl is a New York Times best-selling author and host of PBS’ “Saving the Ocean”. You might have read his books, “Becoming Wild”, “Beyond Words”, or “Song for the Blue Ocean”. Journalist and PBS Newshour Correspondent, Miles O’Brien, was the special guest host and master of ceremonies. Research Director and Founder of The Wild Dolphin Project, Dr. Denise Herzing, was available for photos and book signing. All proceeds from Wild Ocean Science benefit The Wild Dolphin Project’s efforts to learn more about the dolphins and the environment in which they live. The more we learn, the better equipped we are to help protect them “In Their World...On Their Terms.”

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A big thank you to Wild Ocean Science's sponsors and supporters!  Nic Mader and anonymous donors, Focused on Nature, Port of Palm Beach, Jay Garbose Underwater Video, Sanctuary Medical Center, Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, Patricia Weyer, Linda Castell, Axel Stepan, Costco, Boxed water,  Pegasus Foundation, Geoffrey C. Smith Galleries, Living Porpoisefully, Save the Manatee Club, Marine Megafauna Foundation, Schoolyard Films, and Norman Gitzen Gallery.

 

2022 Wild Ocean Science: Tom Fitz presents Science & Filmmaking, a natural partnership

Download our virtual program.

Hosted by special guest, Miles O'Brien, PBS NewsHour Correspondence and independent American broadcast journalist specializing in science, technology, and aerospace.

Thank you to our generous sponsors! Nic Mader and other anonymous sponsors, Axel Stepan, Farley Rentschler, Linda Castell, Lureen Ferretti, Liam Groth, Southeastern Printing, Port of Palm Beach, South Florida Underwater Photography Society, Mastiff Inc., Focused on Nature, La Goulue, Sanctuary Medical Center, Sanctuary Plastic Surgery, Pegasus Foundation, Revenge Rum, Palm Beach Chauffeur Service, Jay Garbose Underwater Video, Succeed Real Estate, Schoolyard Films, and South Beach Brewing Company.

 

For 2023 sponsorship opportunities call 561.575.5660 or email wildoceanscience@wilddolphinproject.org 

2021 Wild Ocean Science: BIOLOGY

 

The Wild Dolphin Project hosted a virtual 2021 fall event "Wild Ocean Science: BIOLOGY" Saturday, October 9th. The Wild Dolphin Project gave an update from the 2021 field season followed by exclusive presentations examining the many avenues in which studying biology helps us learn more about the animals in the wild. The live on youtube recording can be found HERE. An edited version will be available soon.

  • The big move... and beyond. Research Associate Dr. Cindy Elliser explained how the social relationships of the dolphins have changed since the initial displacement event, and how assimilation into a new community takes time. Follow Dr. Elliser and her project Pacific Mammal Research www.pacmam.org.
  • Recent graduate Brittini Hill discussed her master’s thesis research on immigrant dolphins and their changing home range characteristics and use. Learn more HERE.
  • Hidden information...Research Associate Dr. Michelle Green details how DNA hidden in dolphin fecal samples tells the tale of genetic relationships among the dolphins. Learn more HERE.
  • What can we learn about dolphins from the air? Liah McPherson explains how drones are transforming marine mammal science, from behavioral studies in the Bahamas to population health assessments in Hawaiʻi. Watch THIS.

 

2021 Wild Ocean Science: TECHNOLOGY

 

Watch the recorded version on YouTube HERE

The Wild Dolphin Project's 2021 spring event "Wild Ocean Science: TECHNOLOGY" looks at the latest research methods implemented to help "Crack the Code" of dolphin communication focusing on the the use of technology in scientific fieldwork.

First, an overview of the Wild Dolphin Project's history and the progress made during the past 35+ years is given then exclusive presentations from colleagues examine the future direction of this hybrid: science and technology. Then we dive deep for in-depth presentations from colleagues and collaborators.

WDP's Research Assistant, Cassie Ruche, will explain the new technology we are using to help find dolphins after 2013's "Big Move". Special guest, Drew Mayer, showcases the 360 camera and illustrates the new perspectives that can be gained from this technology. Dr. Matthias Hoffmann-Kuhnt explains how a uniquely designed underwater mobile triangulation device, ASPOD, tracks and localizes dolphin vocalizations aiding in our understanding of dolphin communication. Dr. Thad Starner and Dr. Denise Herzing will give an update on two initiatives: Using machine learning algorithms to discover patterns in dolphin sounds and utilizing an underwater computer interface to explore two-way communication between dolphins and the researchers. Visit "Our Team" page for speaker bios.

Hosted by special guest, Miles O'Brien, PBS NewsHour Correspondence and independent American broadcast journalist specializing in science, technology, and aerospace.

For offline donations call 561.575.5660 or email wildoceanscience@wilddolphinproject.org 

 

Wild Ocean Science 2020

Guest Speaker: Legendary Oceanographer, Dr. Sylvia Earle

Guest Host: PBS NewsHour Correspondent and independent American broadcast news journalist, Miles O'Brien

Sponsorship opportunities are available! Call 561.575.5660 or Email wildoceanscience@gmail.com 

More about Dr. Sylvia Earle:

 

Wild Ocean Science 2019

When:  Saturday, March 2, 2019 5:00 - 8:00pm

Where:  Eissey Campus Theatre  11051 Campus Drive. Palm Beach Gardens, Florida 33410

Guest Speaker: Brian Skerry, National Geographic Photographer and photojournalist specializing in marine wildlife

Guest Host: Miles O'Brien, PBS NewsHour Correspondent and independent American broadcast news journalist

We appreciate support from the following:

     Sponsors: Watermen for Life, Nicole Mader, Tracy Siani, Patricia Leigh & Patricia Weyer, Howard A. Green, M.D., Brown & Brown Marine Insurance, Captiva Spine, Southeastern Printing, Guanabanas Restaurant, Mr. & Mrs. Axel Stepan, Publix, 4Imprint, Old Port Cove - A Safe Harbor Marina, and Infinite Women Self Defense.

     Student Sponsors: Jay Garbose Underwater Video, Lisa Fast, The Port of Palm Beach, and Mr. & Mrs. Axel Stepan

     Vendors: Watermen for Life, Force-E Scuba, Reef Photo, Lureen Ferretti Photography

     Raffle items donated by: Shiny Sheets, Craig Dietrich Underwater Photography, Island Exposure, Bethany Augliere Wildlife Photography, Focused on Nature, Ruth Petzold Photography, Blueline Surf & Paddle Co, Bolay, Blackbird Jewelry, MANG, Trader Joe's, La Fogata, Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, Professional Images, Lureen Ferretti Photography,  Shark Team One, Blue Marlin Restaurant, The Lane Spa, Florida Freedivers, Scuba Works, Jupiter Drift Divers, photographs from WDP Research Assistant, Cassie Volker, and WDP Graduate Student, Liah McPherson, and Bahamas Paradise Cruise Lines.

     Event Photographer: Sandra Effertz Photography

View photos in this video!

Wild Ocean Science 2018

When:  Saturday, March 24, 2018

Where:  Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at FAU  5353 Parkside Drive, Jupiter, Florida 33458

Guest Speaker: South Florida PBS' Changing Seas Premier of Episode, "Dolphins: Breaking the Code"

Guest Host: Miles O'Brien

Our first annual event, "Wild Ocean Science", was a success! Over 200 people were in attendance filling the lobby area of the Osher Lifelong Learning Center at FAU in Jupiter. A beautiful slideshow by photographer, Hussain Aga Khan, donated by his foundation, Focused on Nature, played in the auditorium while guests enjoyed refreshments, browsed the raffle and silent auction tables, had their book signed by Dr. Herzing, perused our sunshirts and t-shirts, and mingled with friends. As the event got underway, special guest host Miles O'Brien introduced the premiering film, "Dolphins: Breaking the Code" by Changing Seas, a SouthFlorida PBS production. Thanks to student sponsors (Axel Stepan, Nic Mader, and Lisa Fast) 38 students from The Ideal School in Royal Palm Beach, The Gale Academy in West Palm, and FAU college students were in attendance, asking some great questions during the Q&A.

Research Associate and Wildlife Photographer, Bethany Augliere, donated a photo of "Shimmer", a juvenile dolphin, and was our event photographer for the evening. You'll see her photos posted on facebook.

There was a great variety and some amazing prizes in our raffle and silent auction! We received donations from: Ruth Petzold Photography, Focused on Nature, Bethany Augliere Wildlife Photography, Diver's Alert Network, Craft Beer City, Changing Seas, Lojo Sports, Bolay, Scuba Works, Lane Spa, CUR Salt Spa, PRP Wine, Mindquest Escape Rooms, Island Exposure, and more! Congratulations to all of the winners!

The entire episode which premiered during this event, "Dolphins: Breaking the Code" can be viewed online: www.changingseas.tv/season-10/dolphins-breaking-the-code/

View photos in this video!

Wild Ocean Science

Countdown

Did you Know

Spotted dolphin calves are unspotted and look like young bottlenose dolphins.

Spotted dolphins regurgitate hard, indigestible parts of their food, such as squid beaks and fish vertebrae.

As spotted dolphins grow up they learn how to behave from their mothers and also from siblings, peers, and elders in the society.

Juvenile spotted dolphins babysit younger spotteds.

As a spotted dolphin grows up, its role and responsibilities in the dolphin community change Sometimes spotted dolphins travel, forage for food, and socialize with bottlenose dolphins.

 

Atlantic spotted dolphins are relatively unstudied, compared to their pan-tropical cousins who have been slaughtered in the tuna nets.

Spotted dolphins use their signature whistles in many different ways, including initiating contact with other dolphins.

Spotted dolphins can be identified over long periods of time by spot patterns, by flukes, and by dorsal fins.

For further learning, visit the Dolphin Communication, Dolphin Videos, Scientific Publications pages and watch our latest documentary from PBS’s Changing Seas series, Dolphins: Breaking The Code” and Dr. Herzing’s TED Talk.

Education

Dolphin Word Search Puzzle
Answer the questions and search for their answers in the word search puzzle.

Dolphin Food Pyramid
Match the names of the prey to their pictures in the Dolphin Food Pyramid.

Dolphin Picture
Label the parts of the dolphin and color! Think of other animals that share the ocean with the dolphins, like predators and prey, and draw them in. Are there researchers in your picture?

Interested in Careers in Marine Mammal Science?
Visit the Society for Marine Mammalogy Careers page for more information.

To report a marine mammal stranding please call 1-888-404-FWCC

Disclosure Statement

A copy of the official registration and financial information may be obtained from the division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free within the state 1-800-HELP-FLA (435-7352). Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state. www.FloridaConsumerHelp.com (CH3673)

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