Bimini Island Spotted Dolphin Photo-ID Study In 2001, DCP began a study of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) frequenting the waters around Bimini, along the Great Bahamas Bank.
Current research efforts in Bimini are being conducted by Kathy DeStefano and Kelly Melillo. Kathy is currently developing a personal project for her senior honors thesis at Northeastern University, and focusing on the nature of Atlantic spotted dolphin play behavior and its occurrence in the wild. The following questions will be addressed: how often play behavior occurs, based on our observations; if and how environmental factors, such as time of day, weather and water quality, influence the instance of dolphin play behaviors; if play behavior correlates with the age, sex, or relationship among dolphins in a particular group; if the presence of a particular individual dolphin influences the probability of play behavior occurring.
In addition, a comprehensive definition of dolphin play and the behaviors involved will be developed to assist with future research on this topic.
Upon Kelly's return to Connecticut College for her final year this fall, she will be completing an independent study based on some of the observations this season. The query will focus on the interactions between the two species of dolphins found in the waters of Bimini, the spotted and bottlenose dolphins. On several occasions, the two species have been observed interacting in apparent play and even mating situations. Questions similar to those of Kathy's Honors Thesis will be addressed.
The purpose of DCP’s research on this group of spotted dolphins is to analyze the group dynamics of Atlantic spotted dolphins found on the Great Bahamas Bank, north of the island of Bimini. Identification of individual dolphins and examination of their association patterns provides details and insight into their social structure and behavior. We will also examine if any of the identified dolphins match those individuals observed along the White Sand Ridge. To read more background information click here
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Saturday, 07 July 2007 17:00 |
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Beautiful weather but we didn't find dolphins until the sun was just going down. But we did get to check up on the injured calf from last week! |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Saturday, 02 October 2004 17:00 |
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Our last trip brings bottlenose, but no spotteds. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Wednesday, 29 September 2004 17:00 |
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In the middle of moving day, we get to go out on the dolphin boat. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Tuesday, 28 September 2004 17:00 |
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The apartment lease is up tomorrow, so today is filled with cleaning and packing. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Friday, 24 September 2004 17:00 |
| | Are you as sick of hearing about hurricanes as we are? |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Thursday, 23 September 2004 17:00 |
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School and Hurricane Prep (again!) |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Sunday, 19 September 2004 17:00 |
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Trying to get some things accomplished in lieu of boat trips |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Friday, 17 September 2004 17:00 |
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But we’ve gone out on the water, which is a start! |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Sunday, 12 September 2004 17:00 |
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We scared Ivan away, but will the tourists come back? |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Wednesday, 08 September 2004 17:00 |
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Frances may be gone, but now there’s a guy named Ivan… |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Tuesday, 07 September 2004 17:00 |
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Frances is gone and the phones are back up |
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