Sighting pattern of cetaceans in the Pacific Ocean of Costa Rica
Only three species of cetaceans have been studied in Costa Rica in the last 10 years: the bottle nose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), the coastal spotted dolphin of the Pacific Ocean (Stenella attenuata graffmani) and the Humpbacked whale (Megaptera novaeangliae). The country lacks information on the rest of the species, which impedes the creation of management and conservation strategies
We have carried out monthly surveys since December 2004 of the species of whales or dolphins that inhabit in the Pacific Coast of our country in order to generate a sighting data base. The sampling zones are Cuajiniquil (North Pacific), Nicoya Gulf(Central Pacific) and Caño Island-Drake Bay (South Pacific).
The projects are:
Structure of Fish Communities on Caño Island Biological Reserve and Bahía Paraíso and its potential effect on the dolphins’ occurrence More information
Rapid Biological Assessment (RBA) of Burica Coastal Marine Areas More information
Marine Rescue Program. The support from local leaders and other people during dolphin stranding is fundamental. More information
Some ecological aspects of two species of dolphins, Tursiops truncatus and Sotalia guianensis, in the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, South Caribbean, Costa Rica
Conservation
Scientific research for conservation must never proceed detached from the people involved in it, in one way or another. Therefore, we try to involve or to educate the communities that are in direct contact with the researchers. We also attempt to be a part of the process that trains and develops the communities.
We are currently employed at this projects:
Rapid Biological Assessment (RBA) of Burica Coastal Marine Areas More information
Development of cetaceans’ conservation strategies with Cuajiniquil and Drake Bay’s communities More information
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