BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE - BDRI

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute has since it was created in 2004 been carrying out one of the most important long-term projects about bottlenose dolphins in the world. We have been seeking to contribute to the understanding and conservation of cetaceans (dolphins and whales), expand the public's knowledge and concern for our marine environment, and add to the knowledge base of bottlenose dolphins
and other species of cetaceans through publications of collected and analysed field data.

The study area has since the creation of the project been the north-eastern waters of Sardinia in Italy. As over the years the project has grown it has encompassed a wider study area but also a more diverse range of issues. We are very satisfied with our studies in Italy and will continue to publish the data collected during
the project for many years to come.

However, in 2013 I decided to change the BDRI study area. And You are one of the few people in the world who will have the opportunity to be a part of the starting of a brand new long-term research project.

Why new area? As the centre has grown over the years, I believe that it is the right moment for the BDRI to take a step and increase the quality of not only the research performed, but also of the centre locals and vessels. As we have many years of experience, the quality of the research will be kept to a maximum as always, however, now we will have the opportunity to discover new waters, species and interactions. We will like all these years study the behaviour and communication of bottlenose dolphins and the interaction between these wonderful animals and human activities. However, a new area offers us to also take on new projects and a more diverse range of issues and species. Furthermore, as the Galician coastline is known for frequent strandings of various cetacean species, the BDRI will be a part of an important network for rescue and data collection from these stranded animals.

Why Galician coast? An incredible diversity of cetaceans is present in these waters. From resident populations of bottlenose dolphins, to harbour porpoises, risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, striped dolphins and pilot whales. And the exiting part is that it is yet to be discovered!

Our long term project’s information is very important among field studies on dolphin-human interactions, dolphin communication, food availability patterns, and how dolphins structure their lives in a changing environment. Disseminating the information from the BDRI is as important as collecting it in the first place, so that it may benefit as many dolphins as possible. The centre is dedicated to this goal, having produced numerous scientific publications, and presented the work through frequent public and professional
presentations since 1999.