Supporting the management and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in Honduras Photos by George Stoyle    
 
   
Cetaceans
Overview
Perhaps because of its location at the edge of very deep water, Utila has both transient and resident populations of cetaceans that frequent the island's waters. This provides researchers with a unique opportunity to study these animals easily, close to shore, and increase the information about these often elusive creatures.

Spinner Dolphins by George Stoyle
Current Research
Working in collaboration with the University of Southern Mississippi's "Marine Mammal Behaviour and Cognition Programme", UCME research uses photo-recognition to identify and record the movements and behaviour of members of cetacean populations. This data is used to determine group composition, association patterns and habitat range within the study area and to analyse the dynamics of the dolphin populations over time.

Spinner Dolphins by George Stoyle

Rough-tooth dolphin dorsal fins
 Individual animals can be identified by their dorsal fin shape and by colourations and marking on their bodies which can be used for photo recognition. The research programme is also planning to use non-intrusive DNA sampling which can confirm unequivocally the identity of each member of the population. This DNA work will also provide additional information about each individual.

Radio tracking is now also being planned to ascertain the range and depth profile of resident dolphin populations including rough tooth dolphins and long-snouted spinners, to develop a better understanding of the true extent and site fidelity of these populations.
 
 

Utila Centre for Marine Ecology, East Harbour, Utila, Honduras | | +5044253026
Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy