Brazil Tagging Trip A Success

from Sarasota Dolphin Research Program by Blair Irvine

 5 endangered Franciscana dolphins were captured, tagged and released, by a tri-national team of veterinarians and conservation scientists in Babitonga Bay, Brazil.

The dolphins are being tracked with satellite-linked transmitters to learn about their activities, dive patterns, and range in Southern Brazil.

This is important new information because Franciscana dolphins are threatened by coastal development, pollution, and gillnets, but little is known about their movements. Learning about their movements will allow conservationists and policy makers make plans for their protection.



SDRP staff joined Brazilian researchers, some of whom trained with the SDRP over the past 2 years. They are led by Dr. Marta Cremer.
This joint effort was assisted by Pablo Bordino and his AquaMarina team from Argentina.

The AquaMarina crew, several of whom also trained in the SDRP, has pioneered efforts to protect the Franciscana dolphin.

AquaMarina efforts include using satellite-linked transmitters to learn about the dolphin movements, and then using those data to develop educational programs for gillnet fishermen.

AquaMarina conducted research to test gillnets which dolphins can more easily detect with their sonar.

They also began programs to show how long line fishing is actually more profitable for the fishermen, and less dangerous than gillnets for the Franciscana dolphins.
Since 2003, Chicago Zoological Society staff associated with the SDRP have assisted AquaMarina in Argentina with technical support and CZS has provided funding for AquaMarina’s conservation efforts. Now the effort is expanding to Brazil.
Chicago Zoological Society staff Randy Wells, Brian Balmer, Jason Allen, Aaron Barleycorn and Katie McHugh, were joined by SDRP veterinarian and PhD student Deb Fauquier long-time volunteer James Thorson in Brazil for the 2 week trip.