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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Tuesday, 31 August 2004 17:00 |
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Today’s activities included little dolphin work and lots of hurricane prep. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Monday, 30 August 2004 17:00 |
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Hurricane Frances looms to the east as we begin to prepare. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Friday, 27 August 2004 17:00 |
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Yesterday’s slow day is a distant memory after all the dolphins we saw today! |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Thursday, 26 August 2004 17:00 |
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Despite lake-like sea conditions, the dolphins don’t stop by the boat. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Wednesday, 25 August 2004 17:00 |
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A dolphin long weekend offers a change from the typical dolphin week. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Sunday, 22 August 2004 17:00 |
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A lull in boat time gives us a chance to catch up on rest and data. |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Wednesday, 18 August 2004 17:00 |
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Wednesday brought a large group, Thursday brought no one |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Monday, 16 August 2004 17:00 |
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Today’s trip included a 10 minute swim with a very vocal young dolphin |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Sunday, 15 August 2004 17:00 |
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Kathy and Kelly return to their old “duo” routine! |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Saturday, 14 August 2004 17:00 |
| | New passengers and a new boat! |
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Written by Dolphin Communication Project
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Wednesday, 11 August 2004 17:00 |
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A full boat and boat full of problems makes for an interesting ride back to the dock! |
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