After breakfast, we did more paper presentations: dental erosion in south Atlantic dolphins, vocalizations of dolphins off Bimini (w/ DCP data!) and characteristics of morphotype D orca whales. Next, we had a Skype presentation from Dr. Justin Gregg. He asked the question, “Are dolphins intelligent?” We learned about many different experiments, including ones that definitely do not happen anymore! After a few references this week, we all know who John Lilly is (enthusiastic nods). We found dolphins’ ability to mimic and the potential uses of their signature whistles cool.
Our morning classroom session included paper presentations; each one of us had to find a dolphin-related scientific research paper and present it to the class in layman’s terms. Those who presented today were all on behavior: infant carrying, sighting locations & social interactions, male reproduction behavior and dolphin behavior around gill nets. After some serious sandwich making, our boat trip departed early – 11:30. We headed in the normal direction, but the rough seas had us turning back to shore for lunch. Anchored near the beach, we eat and swam a bit, before resuming our search.
Sunday morning began with another round of research paper presentations. This time, students covered behaviors of bottlenose dolphins around two dead conspecifics, spatial and social-sexual segregation in bottlenose dolphins and the hypothesis of diving limiting brain size. Next, we were joined by Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski via Skype. She told us cool things about sounds themselves and dolphin acoustics. We discussed the frequencies that are out of our hearing range and the importance of having the right recording equipment.
We saw dolphins!! But first, we our brains were a bit foggy during breakfast and then we loosened up during a lecture on photo-ID: identifying study subjects by species, sex, age and individual. It was interesting to see the different ways to estimate a wild dolphins’ age. Spotted dolphins are handy with their age spots! It’s helpful to look for multiple identifying characteristics, so that you aren’t relying on just a noticeable fluke or dorsal fin.
We saw dolphins!! But first, we our brains were a bit foggy during breakfast and then we loosened up during a lecture on photo-ID: identifying study subjects by species, sex, age and individual. It was interesting to see the different ways to estimate a wild dolphins’ age. Spotted dolphins are handy with their age spots! It’s helpful to look for multiple identifying characteristics, so that you aren’t relying on just a noticeable fluke or dorsal fin.
Hi all!
We are thrilled to welcome the 2015 crop of students from University of New Brunswick Saint John (UNBSJ) and their Professor, Stephen Turnbull, to Bimini! Over the next week, we hope you enjoy their field reports. Here’s the first installment:
Those of us, who had finished up our course at the SharkLab, cleaned our rooms, packed up & took a group photo (including canine Kahli!). We said goodbye to our classmates who were not joining the dolphin course, and headed to the water taxi.
After our successful #teamdolphin t-shirt campaign at the end of 2014, we're ready to dress you in style yet again! This time, light blue t-shirts and sweatshirts feature a simplified DCP logo with the text "Bimini Field Site 2015." This your chance to not only show your support of DCP, but collect this limited edition shirt commemorating our 2015 research season. Click here to choose your shirt - or three - today!
Remember: to ensure our shirts are printed & shipped, we need to receive a minimum of 50 orders.
The Winter edition of the Dolphin Gazette is here!
Curl up & read your copy today!
Our winter edition is full of research analysis updates, details on trips and interning with DCP and an introduction to Dr. Heather Hill! Click Dolphin Gazette in the Latest Buzz tab, and to get all the newest updates.
It's that time of year: calling all applications to our summer internship program! Applications are due 20 February 2015.
Calling all students, college-aged & up!
We are pleased to announce that the deadline for applications & deposits for our Field Course in Cetacean Ecology with Sacred Heart University has been extended until 15 February! This new deadline corresponds better with SHU's registration schedule - but you do not need to be a SHU student to participate! Students from all over the world are encouraged to apply. You must be at least 18 years old and able to swim.