Who are they and what are they doing?
The Coastal Dolphin Survey Project (CDSP) was organized and initiated at Orange Coast College, Costa Mesa, California in 1978. It was the official research project of the marine science department and the Director was (and is) Dennis L. Kelly, Professor of Marine Biology. The goals and objectives of the CDSP were patterned after those of the American Cetacean Society/National Organization. Specifically, these included research, education, and conservation. Unlike the American Cetacean Society, CDSP focused these objectives solely in regards to the population dynamics, biology, ecology, and conservation of the Pacific coastal bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). To obtain information and data about this unique species of dolphin and determine whether this population was resident to the coast of Orange County and/or southern California, many methods have been employed over the years. The project has conducted coastal boat surveys on a monthly basis sine a federal permit was obtained from the National Marine Fisheries Service. Along with sighting data (location, number of dolphins, direction of movement, behavior, number of calves present, time, and date) photographs were taken of the dorsal fins of the dolphins. This led to the development of a catalogue of identifiable dorsal fins and, ultimately, estimations of the population size and determiantion of the resident status of the dolphins. This work occurred since the project's inception and continues today.
How are they doing this?
 Throughout the years, the Coastal Dolphin Survey Project has developed quite a few different strategies to make this project successful. From training Orange Coast College students to give lectures on the coastal dolphin population to publishing quarterly newsletters with articles and information about the project and population, the Coastal Dolphin Survey Project is dedicated to making a difference. For more information about the accomplishments they have made please click here The Coastal Dolphin Survey Project.
How much does this cost?
Funding for CDSP averages approximately $15,000/year and comes from a variety of sources including: direct donations from private individuals, foundations, conservation groups, and fund raising via public lectures and sponsorship of various events (whalewatch trips, tee-shirts, and publications). The project currently has no paid employees, but depends on volunteer help for all of its functions. If you wish to help support this project please send your donations to Dennis Kelly at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92658 and make checks out to "Coastal Dolphin Survey Project". You will receive an acknowledgment letter that documents your donation, that you may wish to use for income tax purposes, from the Orange Coast College Foundation - a non-profit organization.
What is the next step?
 In the future, CDSP will be investigating new and exciting research possibilities for increasing our knowledge of the coastal dolphin population as well as other marine mammals and sea life that inhabit the waters of Orange County. The project and the director will make every effort to represent the dolphin population's needs, ecology, and problems whenever and wherever decisions are being made that may affect this population. In all cases and at all times the project operates under the philosophy that the best research and investigation results from efforts that are as non-intrusive to the dolphin's lives as possible and reasonable under the existing conditions.
|
