Mission Statement
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). Since 1985, Denise Herzing has been studying dolphin communication in the wild. Objectives of this long-term, non-invasive field research on wild dolphins are to gather information on the natural history of these dolphins, including dolphin behaviors, social structure, dolphin communication, and habitat; and to report what we have learned to the scientific community and the general public.

Spanning over three decades The Wild Dolphin Project is the longest running underwater dolphin research project in the world. With our underwater focus on observing and recording behavior and sound, we are determined to "Crack the Code" of dolphin communication.
Learn More
Whether you are looking to participate onboard R/V Stenella or just stay updated on the project, our research, and upcoming events, a WDP membership will benefit you.
Become a Member
There are several ways to participate with The Wild Dolphin Project and help our work: Bahama Field Research, Florida Field Research, or Student Internships.
Learn moreMedia Coverage
In the Field
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New Research: Making Friends!
Read moreA natural social experiment has been taking place in Bahamian waters, and we’ve been there to witness it. As it turns out, dolphins can make
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16 May
Dolphin Detective
Read moreMuch of our long-term work studying dolphins in the Bahamas relies on identifying individuals in the population. By tracking individuals we can understand patterns in
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22 Feb
Studying Behavior: From Observing To Understanding
Read moreAt the Wild Dolphin Project, we’ve studied everything from dolphin communication, to social structure, genetics and ecology. One of the most common fields we cover
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29 Jan
WDP in the Bahamas: A review
Read moreWe know a lot of you have followed our work for awhile now — some of you since the very beginning — and some of
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13 Dec
Florida Day December 2nd
Read moreDuring our off season, September through April, we try to get out and monitor the SE Florida coast populations of Atlantic spotted dolphins and bottlenose