Ionian Dolphin Project

'Delphi's Dolphins'

Cetaceans of the Gulf of Corinth, Greece

Ionian Dolphin Project

The Ionian Dolphin Project is a research and conservation programme conducted by the Tethys Research Institute in the eastern Ionian Sea (Greece).

Tethys has been studying Ionian dolphins since 1991, particularly bottlenose dolphins and short-beaked common dolphins, focusing on the threas affecting these cetacean species.

Intensive monitoring and long-term research have allowed the Ionian Dolphin Project to contribute substantial information on the ecology and conservation status of dolphin populations. This information has been published in a number of scientific articles (see Publications in the Research section).

Visual surveys are conducted on a daily basis by means of 5.8 m inflatable craft with rigid hulls powered by four-stroke outboard engines. When surveying the area, researchers and project participants are constantly looking for dolphins. During survey time, navigation data are collected in order to estimate encounter rates for dolphins and other marine species.

Once dolphins are sighted, the boat carefully approaches the animals and follows their movements over observation sessions that normally last a few hours. The researchers take a large number of digital photos of the dolphins' dorsal fins to allow for individual identification based on long-term natural marks.

Dolphin behaviour is systematically recorded throughout the sighting at standard 5-min intervals, together with geographic position, group size, group composition, group formation, surface activity and duration of surfacing intervals.

Project participants are involved in all field research activities, helping the researchers to collect dolphin data.

Marine species such as sea turtles, seabirds, large fish and invertebrates observed during the surveys at sea are recorded and photographed. When marine top predators are feeding at the surface, drifting fish scales are collected with a dip net in order to gain information on their prey.

Researchers and project participants return to the field station as soon as the sea state deteriorates or once appropriate data have been collected.

Back at the field station digital photos and data are downloaded onto computers and the team engages in the processing and matching of dorsal fin images.

The research staff gives lectures on cetacean biology, conservation and research methods, and answers to questions posed by project participants.

Project participants enjoy the peace and beauty of the study area and engage in pleasant actvities during free time.

Cooking time is an opportunity to compete for the most delicious dinner.

'Delphi's Dolphins'

The Gulf of Corinth is a semi-closed basin of extraordinary interest.

Research conducted by the Pelagos Cetacean Research Institute shows that three cetacean species can be predictably found in the Gulf: bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphins and striped dolphins. While their ecology and population size are yet unknown, bottlenose dolphins tend to stay in more coastal waters, while striped dolphins and common dolphins are offshore species and tend to form mixed groups.

The Gulf of Corinth represents an ideal “natural laboratory” to evaluate the impact of human activities such as fishing and pollution. Fishery landings and by-catch rates can be assessed and cetacean population dynamics can be monitored over time. Standard surveys based on pre-determined routes help determine encounter rates of dolphins and other marine fauna.

Individual photo-identification can be used extensively to catalogue dolphins in the study area and obtain information on their abundance, population trends, movement patterns, fine-scale habitat use, social organization and reproductive success.

The Ionian Dolphin Project team investigates dolphin ecology, behaviour, feeding habits, interactions with human activities and dolphin response to habitat degradation. Researchers aim to identify the main threats affecting the animals and offer scientific support to management actions that can ensure a favourable conservation status of the dolphins and their ecosystem.

By participating in this programme you will make close encounters with dolphins in their natural environment and have opportunities to observe other marine life. You will actively engage in the research, participating in all phases of the field work, analyzing digital photos at the field station and attending lectures on cetacean research methods and conservation strategies. You will also enjoy the Greek atmosphere permeating the quiet and beautiful village of Galaxidi, and get to know the local lifestyle.

Galaxidi is only about 30 km far from Delphi - one of the World's most prominent archaeological sites.

Visit the photo albums