Recent weather conditions have mostly been perfect for launching the new BMMRO boat and continuing with ongoing marine mammal research. The field work at the moment is one aspect of the ‘Saving Abaco’s Dolphins after Hurricane Dorian’ project.
Acoustic research involves deploying specialised recorders to monitor sub-surface noise levels such as ship-generated sound. This helps to determine the effects of underwater noise pollution on marine mammals. Areas of concern can be identified and monitored. Naturally the dolphins take a keen interest as well, and there is plenty of opportunity to enjoy their company out on the water.
More general research includes compiling intricate records of dolphins encountered, noting specific characteristics. The dorsal fin is generally the most helpful ID marker, as they are all different – especially when there is some wear and tear to go by.
BMMRO records for dolphins go back a long way, and often involve two or more generations of the same family. Amazingly, during the last few days, a dolphin was encountered whose mother was first seen as a calf in 1992…
BMMRO are hosting a meeting in Hope Town to explain recent work and its results
BMMRO intern Jaylen gets to admire dolphins at close quarters in the Sea of Abaco
Dolphin Research . Sea of Abaco . Bahamas . BMMRO – all photos © BMMRO
ROLLING HARBOUR ABACO 
Dear Keith
We had a lot a whales stranding on our coast this year. We suppose that’s due to sub-surface noise as well.
Thanks for your post. Wishing you a great weekend. We are off going north for a little holiday now
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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That’s such sad news. Could well be noise (Or pollution. Or both). There are large wind farms off the coast there, aren’t there? I wonder if researchers carry out necropsies? And as a matter of interest, is there a local stranding report system for N. Norfolk coastline? Hope you are / have recently had a wonderful holiday.
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Dear Keith,
we just came back from our holiday in the Peak District.
The Coast Guards and British Divers Marine Rescue team report all the strandings.
The windfarms could well be the cause for the strandings. Research is done but we don’t know which institution does it.
Dina is a seal warden and a marine mamal medic but they deal mostly with seals.
All the best. Keep healthy and happy
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
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It is truly impressive, RH, all the research and conservation you folks at BMMRO Abaco are doing to perpetuate the dolphins. And how gratifying to discover an offspring of a female spotted in 1992. Fantastic photos for us to enjoy, too.
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It’s always a big pay day when previous generations are spotted (I hope our grandchildren (x5) will continue to think like that…)
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