We will examine dolphin foraging patterns, as well as continue our long-term baseline monitoring of dolphin distribution. Arriving in Belize City, we transfer by boat to Blackbird Caye at Turneffe Atoll. Our days are spent working in small teams, searching for dolphins and assisting the reseacher with fieldwork such as recording behavior on standard data sheets, plotting location, identifying dolphins individually through natural markings, and collecting environmental data. Depending on weather and the behavior of the dolphins, we will also attempt to observe and photograph dolphins underwater. Manatees are found in our study site and we will also collect data on their distribution.
All research is conducted from small boats inside the atoll.
You must know how to swim but no other skills are required to participate. The project is headquartered at our new research facility Blackbird-Oceanic Society Field Station. Because of its distance from the mainland, the waters at Turneffe Atoll are clear and the reefs are pristine. Over 25 species of birds are found around the islands including the Magnificent Osprey, Magnificent Frigatebird, Royal Terns, Great-tailed Grackle, plus plovers, hummingbirds and woodpeckers. The station offers comfortable beachfront cabanas with private porches, and double occupancy rooms with private baths.