Active 2018-2019.
The Dolphins without Borders project, coordinated by Tethys Research Institute, was funded by the Pelagos Cetacean Sanctuary and the Albert II of Monaco Foundation and had the following objectives:
support the conservation of the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) within the Pelagos Sanctuary;
use the popularity of these charismatic mammals to raise public awareness of marine conservation;
strengthen links between Pelagos and the numerous MPAs and National Parks existing within the boundaries of the Sanctuary to implement a continuous and coordinated monitoring system and promote conservation actions in the area.
During the research, which covered 12,514 km, 101 bottlenose dolphins and 185 other individuals of other cetacean species were sighted, obtaining a total of 15,930 photos and 132 minutes of acoustic recordings. This allowed us to better study the bottlenose dolphin's preferred habitat, also defining the rate of possibility of encounter in the area and evaluating its seasonality. In addition, 185 bottlenose dolphins were photo-identified. Genetic analyses confirmed that all individuals have characteristics that attribute them to the Mediterranean population. Three highly attended Workshops/Training Seminars were also organized in Caprera, Elba Island and Genoa to train the staff of the various MPAs of the Sanctuary and the Supervisory Bodies regarding the protection of the Bottlenose Dolphin and the results of the DWB project.
Partner:
Italy: Tethys Research Institute, Fondazione Acquario di Genova Onlus, CE.TU.S. Association, SeaMe Sardinia Association, University of Sassari-Department of Veterinary Medicine; France: GIS3M; Monaco: Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
Sponsors:
Permanent Secretariat of the Pelagos Agreement, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
