Page 29 - Gateways_2017-2018 Winter

Most graduate students and postgraduate interns continue in
marine mammal research and conservation careers, taking the
skills they have learned well outside of Sarasota Bay.

Community Impact WINTER @ NAPER SETTLEMENT

Some of the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program’s education
programs are informal, as teaching the general public about
dolphin-related issues is one of the most important aspects of
effective conservation for these animals.

Findings from photo-identification surveys, behavioral
observations, and stranding records indicate that threats to
dolphins are increasing. Dolphins in Sarasota Bay and elsewhere
are at risk for disturbance and injury from close encounters with
boats and fishing gear. People may not know that they’re fishing
or boating in a dolphin-populated area. Plus, dolphins show
abnormal behaviors as a result of exposure to human sources of
food. Even the most well-intentioned boaters might think they’re
helping out a hungry dolphin by tossing it scraps of food, but in
reality, they are encouraging the development of an unnatural
interest in, and proximity to, human activities.

Education and outreach efforts are increasingly focused on
understanding and mitigating these threats. For the program
team, these efforts include collaborating in the development
and distribution of outreach tools such as a “Don’t Feed Wild
Dolphins” public service announcement and “Dolphin-Friendly
Fishing & Viewing Tips” cards, which highlight the dangers of
feeding wildlife and ways that anglers and boaters can interact
with wild dolphins in more responsible ways. A video series for
general audiences (available at SarasotaDolphin.org/Sources-of-
Information/Videos/#more-581) tells the stories of challenges
faced by real Sarasota Bay dolphins and how the public can help.

Sarasota program staff have trained anglers, recreational
boaters, boat rental companies, ecotour operators, and other
interested parties and stakeholders on how best to avoid
interacting with dolphins, with presentations tailored to issues
most relevant to each group. These community members also
learn about steps they can take to help conservation efforts,
including reducing marine debris through prevention and
cleanup activities.

Worldwide Impact HOLIDAY FESTIVITIES

The singular nature of the long-term research being Christkindlmarket • • • • • • • • • • Nov. 24–Dec. 24
conducted in Sarasota Bay over the years has led other Naper Lights • • • • • • • • • • • • • Nov. 24–Dec. 26
researchers to request help in applying the resulting knowledge Santa @ the Settlement • • Nov. 25, Dec. 2, 9, & 16
and research tools to marine mammal issues around the world. Victorian Holiday Traditions • • • • • • • • • • •Dec. 3
Wedding Showcase • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Jan. 6
Wells and his colleagues are part of an international team
trying to save the world’s most endangered cetacean (a group 523 S. Webster St., Naperville, IL
that includes dolphins, porpoises, and whales). Vaquitas are tiny napersettlement.org • 630.420.6010
porpoises found only in the upper Gulf of California.

BROOKFIELD ZOO | WINTER 2017/18 21
BZoo_3.625x4.75_WinterProg_10-9-17.indd 1 10/9/2017 9:11:16 AM