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we do... The grassroots Wild Dolphin Foundation works
at a range of decision making levels. We work with campaign
media, inform decision-makers, develop and advocate solutions,
gather data to publish impartial data, and champion the conservation
of the marine environment and sustainable livelihoods.
What we’ve accomplished... Trained for production of broadcast media to promote and
facilitate ocean protection
Obtained digital video camera and underwater housing
Became a Field Station for REEF
surveys Performed multiple surveys of fish populations and coral
reef transects to determine health of the dolphins' habitat
custom-designed an Access database to enter and process
our years of data
Redesigned and improved our internship program and training
manual Instituted an onboard docent program with Wild Side Specialty
Tours (marine-mammal focused charters)
Obtained a laptop for onboard dolphin
research and education
Gained hundreds of hours of continuing onboard and shore
data
Identified 322
spinner dolphins, 28 spotted, 5 bottlenose, and 13 humpback
whales (at this point) and affiliations through photo identification
Successfully participated in the design of House
Bill 416 to prohibit new tour operations on our
coastline until studies are done to determine carrying capacity
Acquired land to begin construction of self-sustaining research
and visitor facility, organic garden and revegetation with
native plants
Participated in Ocean Events and Fairs
Hosted a week long teen dolphin research camp
Hosted beach clean-ups
Partictpated in community and agency meetings, and media outreach, to encourage regulation of the dolphin - human interaction tour industry
Became an invited member and steering committe member of the Pacific Islands Photo Identification Network (PIPIN)
Attended numerous marine and environment conferences
Colloborated with the local community on methods to protect nearshore resources and working for sustainable dolphin tourism in the area by introducing guidelines and assembling educational materials with information to tourists, guides and other stakeholders.
WDF REPORTS
Related Publications
Danil, K., Maldini, D., Marten, K., 2005 Patterns of Use of Maku’a Beach, O’ahu, Hawai’i, by
Spinner Dolphins (Stenella longirostris) and Potential Effects of
Swimmers on Their Behavior.
Aquatic Mammals 2005, 31(4)
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