IMIS

Since 2001, the non governmental organization Sea Vida has been promoting responsible dolphin watching in the State of Aragua, on the basis of previous research efforts by the Venezuelan Ministry of Environment and Sea Vida. Attempts have been made to gather baseline information on the bio-ecological and population aspects of cetaceans in the region. Opportunistic and systematic surveys have confirmed the presence of the Atlantic spotted (Stenella frontalis) and bottlenose (Tursiops truncatus) dolphins. Encounter rate with dolphin groups is about 70%. Preliminary results indicate that at least a proportion of the population is resident to the area, with recaptures ranging from a few days to at least 12 years. This project is aimed to evaluate the population status of dolphins inhabiting the coast off the State of Aragua using photo-identification techniques, as part of the efforts to promote responsible dolphin watching in the region. Similar surveys will be made during 2009 to cover different sampling seasons.