Introduction to and Goals of the MSC Coastal Dolphin Survey Project:

**NOT CURRENTLY COLLECTING DATA FOR PROJECT** 

Contact Persons:
Mr. Albert Answini, Project Supervisor
answini@kutztown.edu 
Dr. Simon Beeching, Principle Investigator
simon.beeching@sru.edu 

The MSC Coastal Dolphin Survey project was initiated in 1997 as a partial response to the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) recognition that the status of the coastal migratory stock of the Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (MBD), Tursiops truncatus, was depleted. This designation is required when an animal population falls below its maximum net productivity level which is at the lower end of its sustainable level. NMFS determined that this criterion had been met in connection with the large number of deaths (approximately 750 animals which was estimated to be 50% of the population) that occurred in 1987-88. Similar studies are being conducted at specified locations along the east coast of the U.S. by authorized institutions and organizations under the direction of NMFS. Authorization in the form of a permit (i.e. a General Authorization) is needed before dolphins may be intentionally approached for study in the wild.

As this project progresses seasonally, and over the next few years, we will gain insights into the status of the MBD in the study area, which includes the near shore regions off Assateague and Wallops Islands, VA. The data obtained from our study will be combined with data from other studies along the east coast to provide NMFS with current and factual information on the status of this population of animals. If, for example, the data provided by the network of dolphin survey projects indicates the need for a more aggressive recovery plan, a program may then be developed and implemented.
The specific objectives of the MSC Coastal Dolphin Survey project are as follow: (separate linked pages for each goal?)

Population size. An evaluation of the population size within the study area throughout the migratory season, from May through October. This analysis involves collection of data on the total number of dolphins sighted daily, weekly and seasonally. In addition, the individuals sighted will be sorted into two age groups, adults and young-of-the-year.
1) How many dolphins pass through our study area in a given season? Is this number of animals stable or highly variable from one season to the next?
2) What is the growth potential for the observed MBD (based on the seasonal ratio of adults to young-of-the year from year to year)?

Photo-Identification. The identification of individual dolphins is central to increasing our understanding of the migratory patterns and habitat usage of these coastal animals. This identification is accomplished by using a digital video camera to capture images of identifiable dorsal fins that have visible notches, other scars or even birth defects that make them visibly unique. Questions that can then be addressed because of this methodology include:
1) How much time (within the migration season) does a given dolphin actually spend within the Wallops Island study area?
2) Do the dolphins just "pass through" the study area, or is there some length of residence within the local area?
3) Where do these dolphins reside between migration seasons? While we will not answer this question directly, the photo-identifications made as a part of this study may be used to determine whether these individuals all occupy the same southern habitat or if they are dispersed throughout various warm water locations? NOTE: This portion of the study will be accomplished through sharing our data with other project sites or study groups.

Habitat usage. Evaluation of habitat usage by the coastal migratory bottlenose dolphins through monitoring a wide variety of environmental parameters. Data on salinity, water temperature, air temperature, weather conditions, sea surface conditions, water clarity, tide level, wind direction and intensity, location and the presence of other animals within the visible area are collected during each dolphin sighting, along with behavioral data and information on the size of each dolphin group. These data can then be used to answer the following on-going questions:
1) How important is the Wallops Island habitat to this depleted coastal migratory bottlenose dolphin stock during the migration season? Is the area important for feeding? for mating? or is it just a "pass through" point in the seasonal migration route?
2) Does human activity impact the dolphins within the study area, and if so, to what extent?

Ethological study. An important component of the Dolphin Survey Project is the observation, recording and analysis of wild dolphin behavior in the Wallops Island area. Ethology is the scientific investigation of the biological basis of behaviors, and involves elucidation of the mechanisms that cause and regulate naturally occurring behavior. Behavioral Ecology is a relatively recent field in biology, and behavioral ecologists study the role of the natural and social environment in determining animal behavior. Specifically, the Dolphin Research Project is currently addressing the following questions:
1) How do oceanic and atmospheric conditions affect dolphin activity in the Wallops Island area?
2) How does group size and composition influence dolphin social and feeding behavior?
3) What are the fundamental "action patterns" or activities performed within the local dolphin groups?

To address these and other questions, the MSC Dolphin Survey Project is using land and boat based observations of dolphins, other animals (including humans!), and measurements of various environmental parameters, such as sea and weather conditions, to explore patterns of dolphin activity. The process is a painstaking one, requiring hours of boat and shoreline observation and video recording, and further hours of data analysis. The Dolphin Research Project at the Wallops Island Marine Science Consortium is the first of its kind in the Wallops Island area, and has already begun to reveal the fascinating and complex lives of the wild dolphins with which we share these waters.

It is hoped that by combining this data with similar information being collected at various sites along the East coast, the status of this group of migrating dolphins can be more carefully assessed, monitored and regulated as needed. This project also provides an unparalleled opportunity for undergraduate college students, as we have relied on student interns to collect, enter and collate the field data for this project. The interns gain valuable field and research experience, while helping to address this very important environmental issue.