Ostego Bay Foundation - Dolphin Research Pod Project

www.ostegobay.org/Dolphin-Research

Project Pod

Established in 1995, has three research objectives based on the hypothesis that there exists a resident bottlenose dolphin population in Estero Bay: •To investigate the population of bottlenose dolphins in Estero Bay. •To catalogue this population. The same animals are consistently being seen within the eight mile search radius of the Project, suggesting that they do indeed reside within these waters rather than just passing through. How large the population is - is still in the process of being determined. At present, thirty-six individual animals have been identified. •To record and document the sonar emissions of this population and relate these sounds to specific activity.

Dolphin Vocalizations

Dolphin vocalizations are recorded through a pair of hydrophones. Both sonar and whistling vocalizations can be heard in real-time and, during mating, ‘squawks’, ‘barks’ and a variety of other sounds have been heard. A dolphin’s vocal repertoire includes a large number of sounds which are thought to be associated with particular behaviors.

Whistles Communicate position and social info Clicks Used for navigation and to locate prey Pops Associated with feelings Quacks Associated with socializing Buzzes Associated with traveling

Search Area

The search area of this study extends from Bowditch Point at the north end of Estero Island to Big Carlos Pass at the south end, approximately 7.5 miles of bay waters. Tursiops truncatus, the Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin, are usually found in shallow coastal estuarine and river systems. Some migrant dolphins move in pods to the southern coastal area of southern Florida waters as temperature declines in the North. Calving usually occurs in the spring with March being the peak month but, for coastal Floridian dolphins, calving may range from May through August, particularly in southwest Florida. Dolphins have a highly organized social structure and exhibit coordinated movement patterns. These movements suggest communication between individuals that is thought to occur primarily by means of vocalization.

Each dolphin has a signature whistle. Any other dolphin in the pod can “call” another dolphin by calling his ‘name’. A dolphin can also identify himself to the pod by using his whistle.

Working with animals has all ways been a passion of mine. From a very young age I would spend my weekends exploring the mountains in Colorado. As I grew older I found enjoyment in working with orphaned wildlife found roaming, lost, and separated from their mothers. In 1999 I moved to Florida and again found peace in the beautiful environment southwest florida has to offer. A life time hobby has now become my full time career as a Nuisance wildlife trapper. I work with clients everyday to control wildlife populations on their property in an effort to reduce property damaged. Most of my work currently has to do with invasive species like the green iguana. Although these reptiles are amazing to see up close they quickly wear out their welcome when your plants become a food source, or their burrows challenge the integrity of your seawalls and other structures, and your dock or boat becomes a view of unsightly droppings reminding you of the plants you just lost. All of this damage is adding up to cost homeowners, HOA’s, and communities financial distress as these repairs become very costly.

As a nuisance wildlife trapper I work with clients to remove green iguanas from their property and if called in early enough hopefully avoid the costly repairs associated. Most of my work is live capture and live removal of this reptile by way of tracking and repeated visits; however in some circumstances an on sight lethal approach, by way of an air rifle, is used. After the Iguana is removed and humanely euthanized it is my goal to reuse the animal for products and food for other captive wildlife.

If you find yourself pledged with the presence of the green iguana or other problematic wildlife I am always on call and ready to assist. If you are a do it yourselfer, I am happy to answer any questions you might have and hopefully we can all work together in controlling this population before it becomes over run.

South Florida is one of the most vulnerable areas on the United States coast for a hurricane. In 1992, Hurricane Andrew, the most powerful storm in Miami-Dade County, registering as a Category V, and the third strongest in U.S. history with sustained winds in excess of 155 mph, came ashore and destroyed many marinas in south Miami-Dade County. Hurricanes that exceed 110 mph can be expected to occur in south Florida about once every 10 years. The population of Miami-Dade County continues to increase, bringing many boaters with little hurricane experience.

The wind will be the biggest enemy. There are several things to do to help minimize its overwhelming affects. Knowing how to secure your boat and where to keep your boat are the two primary concerns. The most important thing to remember is DON’T WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! Being prepared in advance by having a plan and practicing your plan will help to protect your life and property.