Vuoi diventare un vero esperto nello Studio dei mammiferi marini?

Vuoi diventare un vero esperto nello Studio dei mammiferi marini?

PARTECIPA NEI NUOVI CORSI DI FORMAZIONE: FIELD RESEARCH-ORIENTED COURSES IN MARINE MAMMALS SCIENCE FRC

Impara, passo dopo passo, le piu' avanzate tecniche di ricerca sui mammiferi marini, ed in particolare nello studio di popolazioni di delfini, participando nei nuovi corsi di formazione FRC (Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science) nella sede del Istituto BDRI in Sardegna.

Questi corsi di alto livello di formazione sono paragonabili per quantita' e qualita' dei contenuti ad un vero e proprio Master e sono finalizzati a creare figure altamente professionali in grado di partecipare all’interno di un progetto di ricerca, portare avanti un progetto di tesi, oppure svolgere attività presso aziende di whale-watching, ecc.

La formazione che riceverai durante i corsi riguarderà un ampia gamma di contenuti, che andranno dalla selezione delle metodologie d'indagine adeguate, raccolta dati sul campo, all'analisi e presentazione di dati scientifici. Durante i corsi riceverai lezioni, essempi chiari, dritte e suggerimenti pratici per portare avanti un vero progetto di ricerca per studiare i delfini in natura!

Per partecipare nei nostri corsi ti basta una forte passione per imparare questa materia grazie alla quale, le 72 ore di formazione operativa (9 giorni di corso e 1 giorno di riposo), basate su esempi e dimostrazioni pratiche a mare ed in laboratorio si trasformeranno in una piacevole e indimenticabile sperienza.

I corsi di formazione sono tenuti dal zoologo direttore del BDRI, il Dr. Diaz Lopez uno dei piu' noti ricercatori a livello internazionale nello studio dei delfini, con oltre 40 pubblicazioni scientifiche su prestigiosi giornali internazionali, coautore di diversi libri sul settore e relatore di tesi per studenti di oltre 20 Università Europee ed Americane.

La quantita' e la qualita' dei contenuti che troverai in questi corsi non hanno eguali: le nostre lezioni hanno un approccio completamente diverso dai tradizionali corsi in aula nelle Università italiane. Ma cio' che distingue radicalmente questi corsi di formazione e' l'approccio academico, concreto e operativo, tipico delle Università degli USA. Infatti il Dr. Diaz Lopez lavora, come “subject matter expert”, nella creazione di corsi di formazione per Università degli USA. Un approccio basato su un legame tra teoria-esempi e dimostrazioni pratiche sia a mare come in laboratorio.

In tutte le giornate, verra' utilizzato un metodo formativo, testato per i membri del BDRI negli ultimi 5 anni di attività di formazione, che consente a persone di diverso livello academico di rimanere "al passo" ed apprendere facilmente le tecniche spiegate (il nostro metodo formativo utilizza esempi ed esercitazioni pratiche per "accelerare" il grado di apprendimento in aula e a mare). I nostri corsi di formazione possono essere scelti per motivi academici ed ottenere crediti universitari, in questo caso gli studenti devono informarsi prima del corso di tutte le procedure a seguire per ottenere i crediti nelle loro Università.

I corsi sono tenuti in inglese ma possono essere tenuti in Italiano sempre e quando i partecipanti lo richiedano con anticipo. I gruppi saranno ridotti con un massimo di 6 partecipanti in modo tale che il docente sara' a disposizione per rispondere a domande specifiche o personali a chiunque lo desideri. In questo modo tutti, sia i novizi che i piu' esperti in materia, potranno ricevere consulti personalizzati e suggerimenti specifici.

Quello che insegniamo è frutto di oltre 15 anni di esperienza diretta e pratica sul campo di queste tecniche di ricerca. Quando ti diciamo che un metodo scientifico è il più adeguato ti portiamo le pubblicazioni scientifiche su prestigiosi giornali utilizzati dai più importanti gruppi di ricerca che te lo dimostrano. Il resto di osservazioni "per sentito dire" non ci interessano.

Il nostro obbiettivo e' che tu esca dai nostri corsi avendo imparato e pienamente soddisfatto. Infatti alla fine del corso i partecipanti ricevono un voto finale (in base ai test teorici e prattici) per dimostrare le conoscenze insieme ad un certificato finale di partecipazione. Vogliamo che, applicando le tecniche spiegate, tu possa ottenere i migliori risultati nel futuro (dottorato, lavoro di tesi specialistica, triennale, all’interno di un gruppo di ricerca, lavorando in una azienda di whale-watching, delfinario, ecc), applicando quello che hai appreso durante le 10 giornate di questo corso.

Ci sono tre diversi tipi di corsi di formazione divisi in due livelli: Intermedio ed avanzato.

FRC 1001 - Monitoring coastal bottlenose dolphin populations (Intermedio)

FRC 1002 - Social relationships and communication in a fission-fusion society (Avanzato)

FRC 1003 - Conservation and management of bottlenose dolphin populations (Avanzato)

Leggi atentamente il materiale informativo che potrai scaricare su www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf questo materiale è in inglese, come anche le pubblicazioni scientifiche, ma se hai qualche dubbio non dubitare a chiedere!.

Il costo del corso comprende lezione teoriche, pratiche, materiale didattico, alloggio in un apartamento con altri studenti (camera doppia e singola), uso degli strumenti impiegati durante le lezione pratiche, materiale per la ricerca, tutte le spese associate al lavoro di campo a mare ed in laboratorio. Ci sono sconti speciali (tra un 10% e un 25%) per studenti e persone senza lavoro. Non è incluso il viaggio fino a Golfo Aranci (Sardegna).

La partecipazione sarà soggetta a disponibilita e fino ad esaurimento di posti. Decide quale dei corsi ti interessa di più, il periodo di partecipazione e compila il formulario di partecipazione (www.thebdri.com/italy/resources/downloads/applicationcourses.rtf ) che dovrai spedire via email a info@thebdri.com.

Per informazione e prenotazione:

www.thebdri.com

info@thebdri.com

tel. 346 0815414

tel. 0789 183 119

¿Deseas convertirte en un verdadero experto en el estudio de los mamíferos marinos?

¿Deseas convertirte en un verdadero experto en el estudio de los mamíferos marinos?

PARTICIPA EN LOS NUEVOS CURSOS DE FORMACIÓN FRC

Aprende, paso a paso, las más avanzadas técnicas de estudio de los mamíferos marinos, y en particular en el estudio de las poblaciones de delfines, participando en los nuevos cursos de formación FRC (Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science) que ofrece el Instituto BDRI en la isla de Cerdeña, Italia.

Estos cursos de alto nivel académico pueden compararse, en cuanto a calidad y cantidad de contenidos, con un verdadero Master y están enfocados en la creación de figuras altamente profesionales capaces de participar al interno de un proyecto de investigación, llevar a cabo una tesis, o desarrollar tareas de investigación al interno de empresas de whale-watching.

Cada uno de los 3 cursos de formación que ofrece el BDRI es independiente del otro e incluyen diferentes temáticas que van desde la selección de los métodos de estudio, toma de datos en el campo, hasta el análisis estadístico y presentación de los datos científicos. Todo lo que se necesita es una gran pasión por la biología marina gracias a la cual durante las 72 horas de formación (9 días de curso y 1 de descanso), basadas en ejemplos y demostraciones prácticas en el mar y en el aula, se transformarán en una experiencia gratificante e inolvidable.

Los cursos de formación FRC pueden emplearse para la obtención de créditos de libre configuración, para ello los estudiantes han de informarse de los requisitos que solicita su universidad para la convalidación de los mismos antes de participar en dichos cursos.

Lo que distingue estos cursos de formación con respecto a otros, además de la temática, es el método académico, concreto y práctico, desarrollado por el BDRI en los últimos 5 años de actividad didáctica. Un método basado en la fusión de nociones teóricas, ejemplos y ejercitaciones prácticas, facilitando el grado de aprendizaje, ya sea en el mar como en el aula.

Nuestro principal objetivo es que al final del curso de formación cada uno de los estudiantes se marche satisfecho y deseando poner en práctica todos los nuevos conocimientos que habrá adquirido. De hecho, los participantes en los cursos FRC recibirán una nota tras una evaluación (en base a un examen teórico y pruebas prácticas) para demostrar así el nivel de conocimientos adquiridos y un certificado de participación. Pretendemos que, aplicando las técnicas adecuadas, puedas obtener los mejores resultados en un futuro cercano desarrollando tu propio proyecto de investigación (elaboración de una tesis, participación en un grupo de investigación, trabajo en una empresa de whale-watching, etc), aplicando los conocimientos adquiridos durante los 10 días del curso de formación.

Los cursos de formación serán impartidos por el biólogo director del BDRI (B. Díaz López) un destacado profesional en el estudio de estos animales, con más de 40 publicaciones científicas, tutor para mas de 20 Universidades europeas y americanas en el trabajo de tesis de sus estudiantes, coautor de varios libros sobre el tema, además de experto en la materia “subject matter expert” en la creación de cursos de formación para universidades de los Estados Unidos.

Cada curso cuenta con un número máximo de 6 participantes de forma que se pueda garantizar la asistencia personalizada a cada uno de ellos. Los cursos de formación generalmente se imparten en inglés, pero pueden realizarse en castellano siempre y cuando haya más de tres participantes que lo soliciten.

El coste de cada uno de los cursos de formación incluye las clases teóricas, prácticas, material didáctico, alojamiento en un apartamento del centro con otros estudiantes (cocina disponible, habitaciones dobles o sencillas), uso del material de investigación y salidas al mar a bordo de las embarcaciones. Nuestro centro ofrece descuentos especiales para estudiantes y desempleados (hasta el 25% de descuento sobre el coste total del curso). El precio de curso no incluye el viaje hasta Golfo Aranci, Cerdeña.

No hay fecha límite para la inscripción y los cursos se irán cerrando a medida que se vayan cubriendo las plazas. La inscripción se realizará vía e-mail a info@thebdri.com mediante el envío del formulario de participación que podrás descargarte en: www.thebdri.com/spain/resources/downloads/applicationcourses.rtf

Puedes consultar el contenido más detallado de cada curso de formación en el siguiente material informativo www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf para así seleccionar el curso de formación que más te interesa:

FRC 1001 - Monitoring coastal bottlenose dolphin populations

FRC 1002 - Social relationships and communication in a fission-fusion society

FRC 1003 - Conservation and management of bottlenose dolphin populations

El material informativo está en inglés, al igual que la mayor parte de las publicaciones científicas, aunque si te surgen algunas preguntas no dudes en consultarnos.

El BDRI confirmará las fechas y la disponibilidad para el periodo solicitado trámite correo electrónico (email) una vez recibido el formulario.

New Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science – Winter & Spring Season

New Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science – Winter & Spring Season

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com), a centre for research and training in dolphins’ ecology and behaviour, is happy to announce the new 10 days-long, Field Research-oriented Courses in Marine Mammals Science (FRC).

These training courses are specifically designed for those students (undergraduate and postgraduate) seriously interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal science. Students may choose one of the three exclusive courses, listed bellow, depending on where their interests lie. Each academically FRC combines exclusive lectures, hands-on boat-based and computer exercises, assignments and tests.

The FRC are limited to 6 students to ensure individualized instruction. Students will be trained during FRC in a wide range of areas including scientific data collection, field research concepts and methodology, computer orientation, use of statistical analysis, presentation and report of findings, and much more. You might well leave a course with a simple research project to carry out in a location of your choice!!

FRC are divided in three exclusive training courses:

FRC 1001 (Date: 29^th March)
MONITORING COASTAL BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS

This FRC provides an in-depth, hands-on immersion into the field of marine mammal science and more particularly applied dolphins research. The variety of subjects approached on this FRC provides students with the tools and practical experience needed for a greater understanding of coastal bottlenose dolphin populations and their conservation, as well as deeper insight into behavioural research concepts and methodology. As a result of successful completion of this course, you will be able to select and use appropriate research methods available to characterise the status of a coastal bottlenose dolphin population.

Lecture Topics Include: Biology, Anatomy & Physiology of Bottlenose dolphins, Sighting methods (boat-based surveys, line transect surveys, land-based surveys), Mark-recapture methods (photo-identification), Bioacoustic methods, Behavioural sampling and records (states vs events), Conservation of bottlenose dolphins, Stranded cetaceans, BDRI’s Current Research, Statistical analysis, computer orientation (use of GIS, fin-recognition software packages, sounds analysis software, and databases), guidelines for creating scientific posters and presentations

FRC 1002 (Dates: 12^th April; 17^th May)
SOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS AND COMMUNICATION IN A FISSION-FUSION SOCIETY

This advanced FRC aims to provide specialization in behavioural methods, focusing in particular on bottlenose dolphin social behaviour and communication, achieving an integrated approach to the understanding of the behavioural complexity of this species. By the end of the course, students will be able to design a project to assess the social organization of a bottlenose dolphin population. In addition, course attendants will get experience in using bioacoustical methods via computer practical sessions involving classification and analyses of bottlenose dolphin vocalizations.
Lecture Topics Include: Review of bottlenose dolphin field studies, Anatomy & Physiology, Life history & Reproduction, Population dynamics, Closed Mark-recapture methods, Photo-identification, Association patterns, Hinde's framework, Bioacoustic methods, Vocal production & repertoire, Whistle acoustic features, Signature whistles, BDRI’s Current Research, Statistical analysis, computer orientation (use of fin-recognition software packages, SOCPROG, Spectograms and databases)

FRC 1003 (Dates: 1^st March; 3^rd May)
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN POPULATIONS

This advanced FRC surveys an extensive amount of knowledge and ongoing investigations concerning marine mammals conservation, achieving an integrated approach to address human-dolphin conflicts and advice on mitigation. As a result of successful completion of this specialization course, attendants will gain a deeper insight into the various factors influencing the incidental capture of bottlenose dolphins, use of ecosystem-level models to predict the impact of human activities and explain the importance of local, national, and international policies that aim to protect bottlenose dolphin populations.

Lecture Topics Include: Biology and Conservation of Bottlenose dolphins, Ecological Modelling, Threats to cetaceans, Overview of methods used to quantify by-catch and damage, Aquaculture industry, Gill-net fisheries & Trawlers, Mark-recapture methods, Foraging behaviour (Predation & Depredation), Incidental captures & By-catch, Boat traffic & Acoustic disturbance, Stranded cetaceans, Anti-predator nets, Acoustic deterrent & harassment devices, BDRI’s Current Research, Statistical analysis (univariate and multivariate), computer orientation (use of Ecopath, sonograms and databases)

BDRI has developed a financial aid to support students and unemployment people, covering approximately between 10% (spring-summer season) and 25% (fall-winter season) of the FRC Tuition & Program fee. Comfortable housing (private and double rooms), with shared cooking and bathroom facilities are provided.

There is no deadline to apply. However, applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Positions are open until filled.

APPLY NOW!

Step 1. Read through this general information carefully (www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/courses.pdf ), decide what course/s you want to study, take note of any dates that may be preferred.

Step 2. Once you have decided which course/s you would like to study, it's now time to submit your application (www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationcourses.rtf) by email to info@thebdri.com.

Please if you have any question do not hesitate to ask to us!!

email: info@thebdri.com
telephone: 00 39 346 0815414

Season's Greetings, Buone Feste, Felices fiestas

Season's Greetings and Best wishes for 2010 from all the team at BDRI

Tanti Auguri di Buone Feste e Felice Anno 2010 da parte di tutti i membri del BDRI

Felices Fiestas y Próspero Año Nuevo 2010 de parte de todos los miembros del BDRI

If the results of our research to date are any indication, then next year’s project should be very productive, both in terms of our own enlightenment about the complex biology, behaviours and social system of these free-ranging dolphins and in producing information bearing directly on the conservation of this dolphin species and others.

More information about our New 2010 Projects

Più informazione sulle nostre nuove attività per il 2010

Más información sobre nuestras nuevas actividades para el 2010

Swim with us on:

BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN RESEARCH INSTITUTE - BDRI Via Diaz 4, Golfo Aranci 07020 - Italy www.thebdri.com info@thebdri..com

Stage e tirocinio studiando i delfini - 2010

L'Istituto di ricerca BDRI (www.thebdri.com) offre a giovani biologi, naturalisti ed amanti della natura di realizzare esperienze che oltre a far conoscere il comportamento, communicazione e vita sociale dei delfini facilitano un trasferimento di conoscenze da parte di esperti e ricercatori ad un più largo pubblico.

È iniziata la selezione di tirocinanti e studenti di tesi per il periodo Febbraio-Aprile 2010. Non sono richieste precedenti esperienze sul campo della ricerca in biologia marina, ma sono necessari: interesse, entusiasmo e capacità di adattamento. Nel nostro istituto consideriamo che imparare, nel migliore dei modi, è quando uno riceve l'informazione di forma attiva, tramite prattica e teoria, partecipando come un membro attivo del gruppo di ricerca nel lavoro giornaliero.

La ricerca di campo viene svolta attraverso un approccio interdisciplinare e l’impiego di metodologie di ricerca innovative, intesi a delineare i vari aspetti della distribuzione e comportamento dei delfini costieri. Nella sede in Sardegna si parla inglese, italiano e spagnolo.

I nostri stage possono essere scelti per motivi academici ed ottenere crediti universitari, in questo caso gli studenti devono informarsi prima del tirocinio di tutte le procedure a seguire per ottenere i crediti nelle loro Università. Vorremo sottolinerare che questi stage rappresentano un'attività di formazione e non una offerta turistica ne di volontariato.

Ulteriore informazione: Internships 2010

http://www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf

Dolphin internships 2010

Hi everyone,

on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com), I am pleased to announce that our centre is currently accepting internships applications for the Winter-Spring term (a minimum of 60 days of participation between February - June) in Sardinia Island, Italy.

BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild unrestrained bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students could present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis if requested with the application.

Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, but students are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship.

Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in three diverse research projects:

1. Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins societies project: We will take and analyse identification photos, study group structure and composition to refine details of dolphin societies and responses to human activities at sea. Volunteers assist with data collection onboard helping to locate, photograph and keep track of bottlenose dolphin groups. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse photos and transcribe data collected.

2. Mediterranean bottlenose dolphin's repertorie and communication use: Knowledge of how individuals within a population communicate and what they are communicating can generate information ranging from measures of habitat use, social relevance, geographical variation, cultural transmission to genetic fitness that can be applied to conservation. Bottlenose dolphins are extremely vocal mammalian species and vocal communication plays an important role in mediating social interactions. Although many vocalizations have been before described in the literature, their association with specific behaviours linked with human activities provides additional contextual information about their potential use as communication signals.

3. Human activities & Dolphins: how to use ecosystem models to address the impacts caused by the interactions. An ecosystem modelling approach becomes an interesting tool to examine the impact of fisheries and aquaculture on bottlenose dolphins and vice versa. Within the many types of software available, Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) is a reliable and convenient tool to examine the long-term responses of bottlenose dolphins to human induced changes in system energy flow and biomass. Mass-balance models are built to characterize the role of dolphins in a coastal ecosystem conditioned by human activities.

There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy).

There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled. Successful candidates will be ready and willing to learn, self-motivated, and flexible. Prior field research experience is recommended but not required.

Please download the internships general information at:

www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf

and the application from:

www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.rtf

Pasantias para el estudio de los delfines mulares en el Mar Mediterráneo

Pasantías para el estudio de los delfines mulares en el Mar Medwwwiterráneo.

El Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI (www.thebdri.com) abre el plazo de

inscripción para las nuevas pasantías "Año 2010" participando como asistente en el trabajo de investigación y estudio del comportamiento y ecología de los delfines mulares en la isla de Cerdeña, Italia.

El BDRI ofrece la posibilidad de realizar tesis, maestrias, prácticas de empresa y pasantías de larga duración (mínimo 60 días) trabajando mano a mano con nuestros investigadores. Una oportunidad abierta principalmente a estudiantes universitarios y recién licenciados. Las pasantías pueden ser utilizadas para la obtención de créditos académicos de libre configuración, prácticas de empresa, tesina, maestria o DEA etc. en este caso los estudiantes han de encargarse de llevar a cabo todos los requisitos que su universidad solicite para la obtención de los mismos previa la participación a dicha estancia . De igual forma sugerimos a nuestros estudiantes la solicitud de becas como Erasmus o Leonardo ya que el centro no puede cubrir en su totalidad los gastos derivados de la estancia de los estudiantes.

Para obtener más información acerca de nuestras pasantías podrás descargarte el material informativo desde:

www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf

Más información y reservas en:

www.thebdri.com

info@thebdri.com

Últimas publicaciones científicas del BDRI:

1. Diaz Lopez B. & Shirai, J.A.B., 2009. Mediterranean common bottlenose dolphin's repertoire and communication use. In: Dolphins: Anatomy, Behavior, and Threats, A.G. Pierce, L. Collado (Eds.), Nova Science Publishers, New York.

2. Diaz Lopez B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins' behaviour. Current Zoology (Acta Zoologica Sinica) 55(4):243-248.

3. Diaz Lopez B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303.

4. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.; Bilbao Prieto, A. & M?ndez Fern?ndez, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K. 88(6): 1153-1157.

5. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62(6): 887-894.

New BDRI's video about dolphins

Agradecimiento por la adopción de dos de nuestros delfines

Nos gustaría agradecer a la empresa BELL&BELLINA S.L. por haber decidido adoptar y dar el nombre a dos de nuestros delfines ayudando así en las tareas de conservación y estudio de los delfines mulares que el BDRI lleva a cabo.

Como agencia de Marketing y Comunicación con una visión diferente, un estilo propio se proponen como una empresa con una manera de trabajar diferente concienciada con el medio ambiente y amante del mundo marino y en particular de los delfines. De ahí que hayan adoptado a una pareja de delfines, Bellina una hembra adulta y a su joven cría de 3 años (un macho que recibió el nombre del Bell).

Gracias por vuestra colaboración en nombre de todo el equipo del BDRI,

New scientific paper

Dear colleagues,

I am pleased to inform you of my last publication on bottlenose dolphins feeding behaviour. The following paper is now available which considers the likely effects of prey abundance on dolphin's behaviour.

Diaz Lopez, B., 2009. The bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus foraging around a fish farm: Effects of prey abundance on dolphins’ behavior. Current Zoology(formerly Acta Zoologica Sinica), 2009, 55(4).

Abstract: The extent to which prey abundance influences both bottlenose dolphin foraging behavior and group size in the presence of human activities has not previously been studied. The primary aim of this study was to identify and quantify how wild bottlenose dolphins respond, individually and as groups, to the relative abundance of prey around a fish farm. Detailed views of dolphins’ behavior were obtained by focal following individual animals whilst simultaneously collecting surface and underwater behavioral data. A total of 2150 dive intervals were analyzed, corresponding to 342 focal samples, lasting over 34 hours. Bottlenose dolphins remained submerged for a mean duration of 46.4 seconds and a maximum of 249 seconds. This study provides the first quantified data on bottlenose dolphin diving behavior in a marine fin-fish farm area. This study’s results indicate that within a fish farm area used intensively by bottlenose dolphins for feeding, dolphins did not modify dive duration. Additionally, underwater observations confirmed that dolphins find it easier to exploit a concentrated food source and it appears that hunting tactic and not group size plays an important role during feeding activities. Thus, bottlenose dolphins appear capable of modifying their hunting tactics according to the abundance of prey. When top predators display behavioral responses to activities not directed at them, the task of studying all possible effects of human activities can become even more challenging [Current Zoology 55(4):–2009].

Keywords: Bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, diving behavior, foraging behavior, prey abundance, human activities, hunting tactics, aquaculture.

If you are interested in a reprint, please email Bruno Diaz Lopez at bruno@thebdri.com

It can be also downloaded from the Current zoology website http://www.actazool.org/paperdetail.asp?id=11221 or BDRI's website www.thebdri.com

Regards,

Bruno Diaz Lopez
Chief Researcher / Marine Zoologist
Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI
V.Armando Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy
www.thebdri.com
info@thebdri.com
tel.+ 39 346 081 5414
tel. + 0789 183 1197

New BDRI's page on Facebook

You are welcome to join us on Facebook!

Te invitamos a que te unas a nuestra página en Facebook!

Sei invitato a partecipare nella ostra pagina in Facebook!

We vote »Yes« for stray animals!

Dear friends,

In Europe stray dogs and cats suffer tremendous torments each day — they are hunted and maltreated, beaten up and poisoned; they are caught and kept in so-called »animal shelters« that provide no escape: in these camps thousands of stray animals are penned up to meet a cruel death.

Despite the existence of animal protection laws stray animals have become a questionable source of income in many European countries: their capture, custody and killing offer good business opportunities by involving public money originally designated to improve the stray animals situation.

EU parliamentarians Alain Hutchinson, David Hammerstein und Neil Parish have written a declaration on the welfare of pets and stray animals (PDF).
You can read it here:
English
Español
Italiano

The declaration claims hard punishment for abandoning and maltreating pets and stray animals. EU Member States are requested to commit themselves to regulate the overpopulation of stray animals and to lay sterilization and vaccination down in law and to implement them accordingly.
A vote on this declaration will be held in EU parliament shortly — the time limit to sign this declaration is May 7th, 2009.

It is crucial that a majority of the EU parliamentarians’ votes are obtained for this declaration. Please support this initiative by asking EU parliamentarians to sign with this online petition.

Trekking in Golfo Aranci

Trekking in Golfo Aranci

Usually we take a day off on Sunday and if the weather conditions are adequate and we have extra energy ;) we like to have a trekking day (after a week at sea the best way of disconnect is doing a trekking itinerary).

Our study area in Golfo Aranci contains wonderful, almost untouched hills terrain and coastal land. It can be compared to a marvellous transatlantic ship ready to take to sea but that has been held up in the shipyard. Depending on the side or area you want to explore, you will come across hills (Capo Figari and Monte Ruju), grassland, rocks, valleys, forests, beaches and fantastic cliffs. All this amazing variety can be seen in Golfo Aranci area itself. Om a clear day you can see the fantastic mountains of Corsica.

The isolated conditions so typical of an island have led to a number of species and subspecies of animal and insect life that can only be found in Sardinia. The Papilio hospiton butterfly, for example, is on the list of endangered Italian butterflies. There are a number of native species of reptiles, mammals (as mouflons, Sardinian fox, wild boar, etc) and abundant birdlife (several species of Falco, hawks, Passeriformes and marine birds).

See you,

BDRI's Environmental Policy

Dear friends,

please find bellow our updated 2009 Environmental policy:

As a marine science research team, BDRI researchers have witnessed first hand the effects global warming and climate change have on our planet. We are committed to the implementation of proactive measures to help protect and sustain the local and global environment for future generations. The BDRI aim to achieve the objective of improved environmental performance through pollution prevention and continuous improvement.

1. BDRI seeks to conserve natural resources by ensuring the responsible use of energy, water and materials by the continual implementation of the 3R's (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle).

2. We know the importance of reduce the energy consumption derived of the use of polluting fossil fuels, promoting the use of renewable energy. In order to reduce noise and air pollution derived of the use of our research boats, BDRI is supporting renewable energy through the
equipment of our principal research vessel with solar panel.

3. “BDRI Carbon Free expeditions”: To neutralize cruise related greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, the BDRI will calculate the amount of carbon emitted by each research cruise itinerary it offers then divides that by the number of volunteers cruising each year. In turn, when a volunteer participate in our project, BDRI contributes a portion of the volunteering fee to buy solar panels to produce renewable energy and reduce the air pollution
associated with electricity production during our research. Furthermore, “BDRI Carbon Free Expeditions” campaign has no effect on the price of its volunteering opportunities in any way. In other words, the cost of the campaign is not passed onto the volunteer.

4. BDRI will continue to take steps to minimise any detrimental impacts on the environment caused by the operation of their researchers and volunteers. BDRI aims specifically to minimise the adverse environmental impacts associated with effluent discharge, water use, emissions to both air and water, and waste generation through best available techniques as they emerge in order to prevent pollution and also to maintain water quality.

Please if you have any question do not hesitate to ask to us!

info@thebdri.com

BDRI projects and Spanish newspapers

Dear friends,

if you understand spanish! (or not...) You can read a newspaper article about one of our last research projects on:

http://www.publico.es/ciencias/206183/decibelios/espantar/flipper

Best regards,

February report - Field research

Dear friends,

during the last month of February things have been crazy due to the really bad weather conditions. During the first two weeks the weather was horrible, windy days and a lot of rain... But from the third week of February the weather changed drastically and we were able to spent 12 days at sea to conduct opportunistic photo-identification surveys and bioacoustical studies in good conditions. Evidently the bad weather days we were working hard with lab-work (finishing 2008 photo-id catalogue and new scientific papers).

During February also we started a new research project, "BSD" a test of acoustics deterrent devices to reduce the risk of dolphins bycatch, to carry out from February to June 2009 in partnerships with engineers working for the Spanish goverment. Since the use of acoustic deterrent devices does not is efective in most waters of the Mediterranean sea we will analyse the acoustical characteristics of a new deterrent device in order of indentify the physical characteristics and behavioural effects on bottlenose dolphins.

Here you can see some pictures...

Best regards,

Summer Internships

Hi everyone,

on behalf of the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI , I am pleased to announce that there are still places available for our 2009 Summer Internships (a minimum of 7 weeks of participation between June - September) in Sardinia Island, Italy. The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI is a marine science and education centre committed to conserving the diversity and integrity of marine life to meet the needs of current and future generations.

BDRI's researchers are engaged in the conduction of a long term study about the ecology and behaviour of wild bottlenose dolphins and the potential effects of human activities (fisheries, aquaculture and tourism) in their distribution and behaviour. An internship period with the BDRI offers an invaluable exposure to boat based field work,marine mammals research, intensive training and mentoring in marine biology. Undergraduate and postgraduate students can present their BDRI's personal research project as their Thesis. Internships can be used for academic or vocational purposes, butstudents are solely responsible for making all arrangements for receiving relevant credit(s) as a result of completing the internship.

Interns can expect to participate in and learn a variety of facets of marine mammal research as research assistants in two diverse research projects:

1. Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins societies project: We will take and analyse identification photos, study group structure and composition to refine details of dolphin societies and responses to human activities at sea. Volunteers assist with data collection onboard helping to locate, photograph and keep track of bottlenose dolphin groups. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse photos and transcribe data collected.
2. Effects of man-made noise pollution on dolphins’ communication and behaviour: We will examine acoustic characteristics of bottlenose dolphins’ vocal signals and we will compare these characteristics with those of man-made noise in order to investigate effects of noise exposure on the dolphins’ behaviour and communication. Internships will actively participate in data collection onboard and monitor dolphins vocalizations. Back at the lab volunteers restock field supplies, analyse and transcribe acoustical data collected.

Internships will stay in an apartment on Golfo Aranci. There is an internships cost of 35€-40€/day and BDRI will provide housing and all associated field costs during the internships period (training, use of materials, electricity, gas, boat trips, etc). The apartment has a full kitchen and a full set of cooking utensils. There is no compensation for these internship positions and successful applicants will be responsible for their own transportation expenses to and from the research camp (Sardinia, Italy).

There is no deadline to apply. However, approved applications are accepted on a first-come, first serve basis. Apply early! Start and end dates are flexible. Positions are open until filled.

Please download the internships general information at:
www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/internships.pdf
and the application from:
www.thebdri.com/resources/downloads/applicationinternships.rtf

Send cover letter or inquiries by email to the Research Chief, Bruno Diaz Lopez, at info@thebdri.com. Please indicate in your cover letter the dates you are available.

Selected scientific publications by BDRI:

1. Diaz Lopez, B and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Whistles characteristics and repertoire of wild bottlenose dolphins in Sardinia Island, Italy. RIMMO 16 ème Conférence Internationale sur les Cétacés en Méditerranée, Nice France, 15 November 2008.

2. Diaz Lopez B., Bunke, M. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture off Sardinia Island (Italy): ecosystem effects evaluated through a trophic mass-balance model. Ecological Modelling 212: 292-303.

3. Diaz Lopez, B., Shirai, J.A.; Bilbao Prieto, A. & Méndez Fernández, P., 2008. Diving activity of a solitary wild free ranging bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K. 88(6): 1153-1157.

4. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2008. Marine aquaculture and bottlenose dolphins social structure. Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology 62(6): 887-894.

5. Diaz Lopez B. and Shirai, J.A., 2007. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) presence and incidental capture in a marine fish farm on the noth-eastern coast of Sardinia (Italy)" Journal of Marine Biological Association U.K, 87, 113-117.

6. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Predation on a Marine Fin Fish Farm: Some Underwater Observations". Aquatic Mammals 32(3): 305 - 310 pp.

7. Diaz Lopez, B., 2006. "Interactions between Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and gillnets off Sardinia". ICES Journal of Marine Science 63: 944-951 pp.

8. Diaz Lopez, B., 2005. Interactions between bottlenose dolphins with trammel nets in the Sardinia Island. International Council for Exploration of the Sea Document CM 2005/X 1.

9. Diaz Lopez, B., 2005. Interaction between bottlenose dolphins and fish farms: could there be an economic impact? International Council for Exploration of the Sea Document CM 2005/X 10.

10. Diaz Lopez, B., Marini, L., Polo, F., 2005. The impact of a fish farm on a bottlenose dolphin population in the Mediterranean Sea. Thalassas 2005, 21(2): 53-58.

Bruno Diaz Lopez

Research Biologist / Marine Zoologist

Chief Researcher

The Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI

V. A. Diaz Nº4 07020 Golfo Aranci (SS) Italy

http://www.thebdri.com/

info@thebdri.com

tel: + (39) 346 0815414

Adopt a dolphin

(ENGLISH) An original San Valentin's gift, for a small contribution to the Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute, you can adopt a dolphin. If you want to go a step further, you can even name your very own bottlenose dolphin for yourself or friend or a family member.

The adopt a dolphin and naming initiatives will help fund our research, as well as education programs about dolphins. Both programs allow BDRI to promote conservation and management of dolphin populations in Sardinia, Italy.

Please, find more information at our website www.thebdri.com

(ESPAÑOL) Si todavía estás pensando en un regalo original para San Valentín te presentamos nuestro programa de adopción de delfines en el que podrás colaborar en la conservación y estudio de estos maravillosos animales, y si quieres ser todavía más original ofrecemos la posibilidad de darle un nombre a tu delfín.

Participando en las iniciativas Adopta un delfín y pon un nombre a tu delfín, ayudarás al desarrollo de los programas educativos, de investigación y conservación de los delfines mulares llevados a cabo por el Bottlenose Dolphin Research Institute BDRI. Ambos programas permiten al BDRI promover la conservación y gestión de poblaciones costeras de delfines.

Para obtener más información visita nuestra página web: www.thebdri.com/spain/index.html

(ITALIANO) Se cerchi un regalo originale per San Valentino visita nel nostro sito web le nostre campagne "Adotta un delfino" e "Dai un nome al tuo delfino" sono un modo carino, coinvolgente ed originale per finanziare le attività di ricerca e conservazione dei delfini. Entrambi programmi permettono ai ricercatori del centro ricerca BDRI di promuovere la conservazione e la gestione di queste popolazioni di cetacei in natura.

Per ulteriore informazione visita il nostro sito web www.thebdri.com/italy/index.html

We are waiting for your vote in the Wild Wonders of Europe Photo Competition

Dear friends,

only a brief email to comunicate that the prestigious judges of Wild Wonders of Europe have selected one of our pictures in their favourite December's pictures shortlist ... now its up to you to decide on their winners!

Please visit this link to see the shortlisted photographs before end January,

http://www.wild-wonders.com/photo_competition_full.asp?imgid=1162&image=484-20081231-bdri_dolphin.jpg&cat=EWW

Click an image to view it fullsize and to make your vote! You will see one of our pictures (underwater picture of a mother with the newborn)!. We are waiting for your high vote!!! ;)

Regards,

BDRI and Open Source software

Dear friends,

The BDRI has installed the GNU/Linux operating system in their laboratory computers, which uses the Linux kernel created by Linus Torvalds of Finland in 1991. BDRI supports the ideas that software should be available free of charge, that software tools should be usable by people in their local language, and that people should have the freedom to customize and alter their software in whatever way they need.


BDRI opted for Xubuntu, a linux distibution derived from Ubuntu that uses Xfce as desktop manager. We decided to use a Linux open source software as it is easier to maintain and in our experience offers better access to support. This is a good opportunity to cut some costs by replacing old and very expensive hardware and related software licenses.

What do We use Xubuntu for? This is probably the best place to start a discussion on the vision for Xubuntu. We use it for running office applications (OpenOffice, etc), graphics, multimedia and educational software. Another reason for choosing Ubuntu is the software's easy installation and packaging system, a light way to migrate graduatelly from Windows to Linux. Whether it really saves that much disk space or not, we don't know, but we like having only what we need installed. Aditionally you can install it directly from windows with a very easy to use software called Wubi, and remember you don't need format or unistall windows!

For our purposes Xubuntu works pretty well. We need Open Office, GIMP, Audacity to analyse sounds and any software on our systems, but we are guessing Xubuntu is mostly used as a lightweight Office desktop, rus faster than windows and never goes crazy!!!. Adittionally if we need any windows application we use Wine a virtual desktop where you can use windows software!

Thanks for Xubuntu,

Do you have a great history during your volunteering with BDRI?

Call for Chapter Submission - Deadline February 12nd !!!

Do you like to write a Book Chapter? Do you have a great history during your volunteering with BDRI?

In 2009 BDRI is participating in a book promoting volunteer travel, this book is designed to combine inspiring stories of volunteer travel with a diverse listing of organizations (BDRI included) where travelers can make a positive impact on our world.

If you may enjoy contributing a chapter about volunteering to BDRI's projects, please feel free to contact to us!

Best regards!

We changed our website!

Dear friends,

The BDRI website has undergone some big changes, a new web design and a new Home Search Engine page. If you would like to tell us what you think about our new look, then email us to info@thebdri.com.

You can still access information to you via dedicated sections of the website, displaying volunteering opportunities and training courses, as well as research.

Our new BDRI webpage look like this:

The site looks very similar to the old design, but it has a new header and we added a Search engine to search specific words in our website and the web, we have included a new Photo gallery with more than 140 pictures.

Moreover a new Home Google Search Engine with BDRI as a home page in your browser: please visit our "BDRI starting page" on www.thebdri.com/start.htm

In the meantime, we hope you’ll like the new approach. If you have any questions or suggestions, please let us to know so that we can improve what we offer you.

Regards,

First day of work in Golfo Aranci denominated "Stranded day"

Dear friends,

to work in the field with wild animals in the field means to be a little different than "normal" people, many individuals would love to stay at home more days during their X-mas holidays but we were excited to come back to Golfo Aranci and re-start our work.

Last Sunday night we came back to Golfo Aranci and yesterday (Monday 05th) we started our first day of work. This day was really busy and strange, the first thing to do was to check our research vessels and then talk with the local people to be updated about the general situation. When we arrived to the harbour to check the Spartana the people told us that the day before a dead bottlenose dolphin was found in the Gulf, but our big surprise was that the divers and guard coast collected the animal to show us and it was in a big box "in front of our boat"...

After a busy morning with the dead dolphin (a young female) during the afternoon we decided to go for a walk along the shoreline, after half an hour we found the second surpirse of the day a stranded sea turtle... A big animal of the species Caretta caretta 95cm long....

It is not very nice to start a new year with stranded animals but it is part of our work...I hope not more busy "stranded days" like yesterday during the next months...

Regards,