Ongoing since 1992, questions focus on signal exchange in Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas and bottlenose dolphins in Japan with comparisons between species and geographies. D.C.P. uses specially developed underwater video and directional bioacoustic recording equipment to localize to sounds sources of individual dolphins and examine any relationships between dolphin sounds and behaviors. This unique study of dolphin communication in the wild collects data underwater and uses non-invasive methods to observe and record dolphins in their own habitat.
Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures because of their apparently complex communication systems.
A better understanding of the minds and social lives of non-human animals is one result of examining their methods of communication. Still, dolphins, in fact all non-human animals, must not be measured according to how close they come to equaling human intelligence and development, but rather accepted and appreciated for what they are. It is through studies of this type that we may learn how better to interact with our environment. An aquatic lifestyle has resulted in the evolution of unique adaptations for communication among dolphins. Information may be exchanged by physical, acoustic, or visual contact or by a combination of these channels.