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'Sightings'

A 'sighting' is each time we see one dolphin or more. When sighted, they are photographed and information such as GPS location, time of sighting, sea conditions and more are recorded

'Association Patterns'

By observing groups of dolphins together, we are able, over time, to deter- mine the social structure of the resident dolphins in a particular area.

'Resident Dolphins'

These are dolphins whose movement is confined to a limited range through- out the year. This range can be no more than two to four miles.

     Welcome Aboard the Dolphin Explorer

Discovery, Exploration & Adventure
Take Our Eco-Tour
We See Dolphin Every Day!

The Study

Launched February 1 2006, the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project is a long term study of the abundance, distribu- tion, movement, association patterns and behavior of bottlenose dolphins of Southwest Florida.

Designed in Three Phases, it extends north from Bonita Beach south to Everglade City, a distance of 50 coastal miles. Bays, rivers and estuaries are also included.

The Project is the only on-going study of wild dolphins in SW Florida and the only in the United States that engages and is supported by the general public.

Using 'photo-identification', our dolphins are identified by their dorsal fins which acts as their 'fingerprints'.

You have the opportunity of participating in sighting, counting and confirming individual dolphins sighting.

For more about the study, visit dolphin survey results.


Advance purchase strongly recommended.
Trips usually sell out in advance!
Check availability and buy tickets online:
Dolphin Eco-Tours in Marco Island and Naples Florida
To purchase by phone, call Zerve at
(800) 979-3370 or (212) 209-3370 (int'l)

To reach Captain Chris,
e-mail dolphinproject@comcast.net

To reach Sea Excursions
"The home of the Dolphin Explorer"
Call 239-642-6899 or e-mail dolphin@seaexcursions.com

' Photo- Identification'

Oscar SE10004

Over 200 dolphins have been "photo-ID'ed" in Phase 1 of the Study. Over time, the dorsal fin develops distinctive marks. No two are the same. It is their finger- print.

'Activities'

We observe and record up to 10 unique activities our dolphins are involved in during a sighting. One of these is 'play', often observed in calves.

'YOY's'

Young-of-year (YOY) are under 12 months old.

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