Research Objectives

Identification of Protect Wild Dolphin Research Priorities

The Florida Dolphin Advisory Committee (DAC) established an over-reaching priority that all research projects funded by the program must result in the conservation of wild dolphins. Based on the legislation, research funds can be used to collect analyze and archive scientific data, provide care and assistance to stranded wild dolphins, distribute information, individually identify wild dolphins through photographic identification programs, and advance research technology associated with tracking and categorizing wild dolphins. The DAC agreed that funded projects must incorporate both research and education/information transfer. Proposals to fund educational programs without research will not be considered for funding.

The DAC suggested that funding priorities be divided into the following general categories:

• Short and Long-term Research
• Dolphin Stranding Programs
• Education and Information Transfer

The DAC encouraged support for research that:

• Develops specific and coordinated research projects related to the protection of Florida's wild dolphin populations.
• Takes a creative approach to scientific discovery and problem solving.
• Has a proactive and long-term strategic plan.
• Is responsive to critical ecological issues.
• Addresses the functional role of wild dolphin in estuarine and marine ecosystems.

Protect Wild Dolphin Funding

To facilitate grant awards of the Protect Wild Dolphin Program, the DAC has recommended the following research priorities:

Category A Projects

• Dolphin Research and Information Outreach

• Research that addresses the functional roles of wild dolphins in Florida ecosystems.

• Projects that investigate population health assessments of wild dolphins (i.e., pathogenesis, diseases, cell culture, effects of contaminants, harmful algal blooms).

• Support of dolphin stranding operations for authorized organizations, i.e., (LOA holders (Letter of Authorization); organizations covered by authorization letters where necessary and appropriate; organizations that have Institute Animal Care and Use Certification.

• Projects that address human interactions with wild dolphin populations (i.e., habitat loss, habitat degradation, boat traffic, swimming/feeding interactions, recreational fishing impacts, noise in the environment).

Category B Projects

Reimbursement program for research on live dolphin rescue, acute care, rehabilitation, and release programs.

Reimbursement should be available to the six (6) authorized Article IV Letter of Agreement holders in Florida. Such remuneration would be for operational costs only; capital construction projects should be excluded. The process for determining allocations was not resolved. More discussion was deemed necessary in order to define the level of this support for Category B projects and the ways that rehabilitation programs can compete for the funds that could be allocated.