The SDRP research model is built on repeated boat surveys to observe and identify dolphins by their natural markings.
Location, behavioral data and environmental information are recorded to develop an understanding of the local dolphin population.
Sighting data gets written on sighting sheets before being transferred to the computer database.
Usually, staff on projects to be conducted in other areas coordinate with the SDRP staff to develop compatible data collection techniques.
In some areas, research questions posed by unexplained dolphin moralities or about the effects of pollution sites on dolphins, will stimulate inter-agency efforts to conduct health assessments to supplement field observation data.
Dive deeper to learn about the Charlotte Harbor research.
Charlotte Harbor is located about 40 miles (60 km) to the south of Sarasota Bay on the West coast of Florida.
"Captain Hook" was intially observed in Charlotte Harbor in 2001 and has been re-sighted in each summer and winter field season.
SDRP sighting records in Charlotte Harbor date back to 1971.
More intensive efforts in the last decade have confirmed long-term dolphin residency in this region, much like Sarasota Bay.
West central Florida showing Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor near the bottom right
Some dolphins move around a lot. They travel between study sites, having been spotted in Charlotte Harbor, off shore, and in Tampa Bay, which is just north of the Sarasota community (see map).
Since 1993, we have collaborated with dolphin observation field studies by Eckerd College faculty and students.
Dive deeper to learn about the Eckerd College study.
FB68 sighted just before his death from fishing gear interactions.
The research is being conducted in Boca Ciega Bay, Bay, which is located at the north end of Tampa Bay, and about 10 miles (16 km) north of the Sarasota study area.
Boca Ciega Bay, FL, about 10 miles north of the Sarasota study area
We have provided access to our long-standing Tampa Bay photo identification catalog, which includes dolphins sighted by the Eckerd team.
We also have provided training and field experience to members of the Eckerd Team.
In the St. Joseph Bay region of the panhandle of Florida, probable year round dolphin residents have identified.
X14” (2001) and “X16” (2002), the first two cataloged dolphins in the St. Joseph Bay project in April 2004.
Intervals of high dolphin mortality in this area (called Unusual Mortality Events by federal scientists) have occurred in this area.
Consequently, SDRP staff participated in NOAA sponsored health assessments on 2004 and 2005.
Follow-up radio tagging and photo-identification studies by SDRP staff have also been conducted.
The Big Bend region of the Florida panhandle. Relatively little is known about dolphins in this area.
The Big Bend is a region of the Florida panhandle. Little was known about dolphins in this area.
A graduate student from Florida State University, under the guidance of former SDRP graduate student and post-doc Dr. Douglas Nowacek, conducted her work in the area, with some assistance from the SDRP.
Georgia study area, including both field sites near Brunswick and Sapelo.
Dive deeper to learn about the Georgia research near Superfund sites.
In the coastal Brunswick, Georgia area, bottlenose dolphins are seen near EPA Superfund contamination sites.
Dolphin in coastal Georgia is radio tracked via shore-based receiving antenna
SDRP staff member and doctoral student Brian Balmer has coordinated field efforts to learn more about pollution effects on dolphins.
The research includes observations, radio tracking and health assessment.
All photos © Sarasota Dolphin Research Program under NMFS permit #522-1785
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West central Florida showing Sarasota Bay and Charlotte Harbor near the bottom right
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Volunteer photographs dolphin during boat survey
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Sighting data gets written on sighting sheets before being transferred to the computer database.
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“Captain Hook” was intially observed in Charlotte Harbor in 2001 and has been re-sighted in each summer and winter field season.
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FB68 sighted just before his death from fishing gear interactions.
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X14” (2001) and “X16” (2002), the first two cataloged dolphins in the St. Joseph Bay project in April 2004.
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Boca Ciega Bay, FL, about 10 miles north of the Sarasota study area
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The Big Bend region of the Florida panhandle. Relatively little is known about dolphins in this area.
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Georgia study area, including both field sites near Brunswick and Sapelo.
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Dolphin in coastal Georgia is radio tracked via shore-based receiving antenna
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