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"Sightings"
Each
time we see one or more a dolphin is considered a "sighting". The dolphin(s)
sighted are photographed and up to 40 items of information are recorded.
These include GPS location, time of sighting, conditions, activities observed,
number of dolphin, water depth and more. "Association
Patterns"
By
photo-identifying groups of dolphin together , we are able, over time, to determine
which dolphin like to swim together , their movement and behavior .
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Discovery, Exploration & Adventure The Study "We See Dolphin Every Day"
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on February 1 2006, the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Study is for five year study
and focuses on the abundance, distribution, movement, assoication patterns
and behavior of bottlenose dolphin in SW Florida.
Designed in three
phases, it extends north from Bonita Beach south to Everglade City, a distance
of approximately 50 coastal miles. It includes near coastal, bay, river and
estuary waters. We are currently in Phase I which extends from Marco Island
north on the Intercoastal Waterway to Marker 44. Some trips have included
Area II which is south of Marco Island to Cape Romano.
The Project
is the only on-going study of wild dolphin in SW Florida and the only study
that involves the public on a daily basis in the U.S. It is modeled after
the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program and the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Study.
Using "photo-identification", our dolphin are identified by their dorsal fins which act as their "fingerprints".
Underwritten
and managed by Sea Excursions, Inc., its objectives are that the 1.) length
of the studay and our daily survey approach will provide data for the status
of stock and trends in population can be begin to be determine, 2.) information
will have value to local, state adn federal resource managers and 3.) daily
involvement of the public will increase the awareness of marine life, the
environment and conservation.
SeaExcursions is
home of the Project and the largest provider of water activities and services
to residents, visitors and finer hotels in Southwest Florida.
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"Activities" 
We
observe and record up to 10 different activities our dolphin are involved
in during a sighting. These include travel, mill, play, with the boat and
others. "Photo
Identification"
Over
time, the dorsal fin of a dolphin develops distinctive marks caused other
dolphin, sharks and man. No two dorsal fins are marked the same and it becomes
their "fingerprint". Using digital cameras, we photograph, analyse and catalog
the dorsal fin of each sighting, where possible. New dolphin are named and
coded.
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