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). Objectives of this long-term, non-invasive field research are to gather information on the natural history of these dolphins, including behaviors, social structure, communication, and habitat; and to report what we have learned to the scientific community and the general public.

An Interview with Denise Herzing on iRadio

Listen online to an interview with Dr. Herzing on the topic of the dolphin community, "In Their World, On Their Terms," on the iRadio program "In Discussion with David Gibbons." Log on to the iRadio Website and scroll down to the July 22 program.

You can also listen to "A Scientist's Report from the Gulf of Mexico" with Dr. Susan Shaw of the Marine Environmental research Institute from July 14.

WDP on WPTV! 

On Thursday July 15, Dr. Herzing and Dr. Elliser were interviewed by James Wieland of WPTV in West Palm Beach, FL. Here's a link to the video - from the WPTV main page, look under "More Featured Stories" for "Wild Dolphin Project Monitors Oil." 

 

BLOG

Read our 2010 Trip Blog! 

 

An Update on Oil and Dolphins – Dr. Denise Herzing
The Hidden Horror of the Oil Spill

July 2010

As many of you know, the oil spill is affecting thousands of fish, turtles, and dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. Unfortunately, the images we are getting in the media are only from near-shore or stranded animals, likely the tip of the iceberg.  Recent footage obtained by activist John Wathen, who flew over the spill, shows dolphins and whales in the oil slick, some belly-up already dead, others struggling to breathe in the toxic fumes.  Because the spill is in an offshore area, it is the offshore species that will be most affected, and mostly out of our sight.  In addition, there is currently a ban on air traffic, and to the media to show injured animals, unless they are on a boat with federal agents.  Clearly this is an attempt to minimize public awareness of the impact, which is truly devastating.

The sad fact is that most of the animals caught in the offshore spill are probably already dead or doomed.  But the suppression both of media and air documentation is a disservice to the public, and to the environment that is suffering terribly.  It is inconceivable that our government, BP, and other agencies have taken this posture to give the American and global public the illusion of an under-control situation.  Without the ability to bear witness to the death and destruction, it is likely we will not learn and will fail to change our habits, once again setting the stage for continued tragedies in the future.   
We continue to monitor the dolphins in the Bahamas and the water in the Gulf Stream for evidence of oil.  So far the oil has not reached our area, and we remain hopeful but vigilant. It is a tragedy that should never be allowed to happen again. 

The Oil Spill - Will it affect dolphins in the Bahamas?

June 2010

As you all know, we have an environmental catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico. The oil spill has recently reached the "loop" current, which will potentially drive the oil to South Florida, through the Florida Keys, and up the East Coast. As many emergency management groups prepare for the potential crisis we, also, will be keeping an eye out for oil, both in the Bahamas and during our crossings of the Gulf Stream this summer.

Just recently we finished some important analysis of hurricane impacts on our two species of dolphins in the Bahamas. Now we are looking at assessing the impacts of oil. Although we hope that the oil does not reach our resident community of dolphins, all animals in the Gulf of Mexico and our Florida waters are at great risk.

Once again we see the importance of long-term baseline work so that when disasters happen we can monitor and witness the changes in hopes of reducing impact.

We'll keep a watchful eye out this summer, and keep you informed with our blog reports.

 

2010 Membership Drive

Donations from our members are a critical part of our funding each year, and it's easy to become a member of The Wild Dolphin Project. Scroll down to the bottom of this page and click on "Donate/Renew Membership." Individual memberships at the "Neonate" level start at just $35, and during our Summer 2010 Membership Drive (June 1-August 31), all new and renewing members at the $75 (Two-Toned) level or higher will receive a copy of our book, pictured here. For more information about memberships, please see the membership page or email our Florida research office at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Heading Out for Field Season 26!

It's that time of year again: Time to pack our bags and set off to sea! We use a lot of equipment in conducting our research, and we must be careful when transporting it from the office to the boat. Some pieces are a little more delicate and get special attention (see picture below)! We've carefully loaded everything onto the boat and are prepared for a productive summer of research (and some fun) in the Bahamas. We are looking forward to seeing the dolphins again, and meeting the new calves born since last year. Our schedule is posted below, and we hope you can join one of our trips!

The Wild Dolphin Project Florida Expansion

We began our new Florida Expansion Project in September 2009 with a great first trip, during which we conducted an offshore survey and saw both spotted and bottlenose dolphins (see our Fall 2009 newsletter link above). Using the small boat in the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW) we have gotten out almost every month and documented bottlenose dolphins on ~50% of our surveys. The weather has been the most trying part of this process as there has been a lot of wind and rain this fall/winter, making it difficult to schedule surveys in advance. Although we have had limited field time this year, our success in finding dolphins shows that the Florida work has a promising future.

The future also depends on current events. The oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico could have detrimental effects on the dolphins and other sea creatures along our coast. As the spill grows larger, the ocean currents may bring the material up along the East Coast of the US. This makes it even more imperative to learn as much as we can about the dolphins and whales in our local waters so that we can understand how the oil may affect them and their habitat.

Funding is critical for this important work, and we are diligently seeking new funding sources to support it. However, times are tough! Your support of WDP will help us to continue this work, along with our main study in the Bahamas. Whether through money or in-kind donations, every bit helps!  

Spread The Word!

FACEBOOK

WDP is on Facebook!  Check us out and "Become a Fan."  Tell your friends and family.  Video and photographs will be posted periodically to give you updates on our project. 

Buy and Sell on eBay for The Wild Dolphin Project (WDP)

 

 

 

 

WDP is part of the eBay Giving Works External Link program. So, you can support our mission when you buy and sell on eBay. Here’s how:

Buy:  You can find whatever you're looking for on eBay, when you do, shop for items that benefit us. You can get a great deal and support WDP at the same time!

Sell:  Did you know that charity listings often get more - and higher - bids than regular eBay listings? Boost your sales and support our critical work while you’re at it! Plus eBay gives back to you too, with a credit on your basic selling fees. Just designate our organization to receive 10-100% of your final sale price the next time you list something great. Support WDP when you sellon eBay!

Click here to Buy and Sell now to support WDP!

Thanks to JTK Communications you can view the presentation that we give to public schools, organizations and clubs right on your own computer!  JTK Communications recorded the presentation given by Dr. Cindy Elliser, at Scuba Delray on July 8, 2009.  Check it out!

THE RELEASE OF CUTTER!!

The Wild Dolphin Project is proud to have been a part of a team of organizations and people who helped successfully release a spotted dolphin, Cutter, back into the wild. Check out Dr. Herzing's blog to learn more about Cutter and his new home!  CLICK HERE and see the video made for Marine Mammal Conservancy.  You can learn more about Cutter and MMC at http://www.marinemammalconservancy.org