STUDENTS ASSIST DOLPHIN RESEARCHERS

        On Sunday, September 14, 2003 , Natalie Skurat and Amy Williams, two Rutgers students accompanied a variety of different organizations to do dolphin research lead by biologist Aleta Hohn. Among the groups there was the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as representatives from the Jacques Cousteau National Estuarine Research Reserve (JCNERR) of Tuckerton , NJ . Two well experienced veterinarians as well as a group of five veterinary students also accompanied the crew. The research was done off the coast of Cape May , NJ .

The day began by heading off in four small boats and 1 processing boat to search for the dolphins. We were able to locate two dolphins very quickly. The four research boats encircled a net around a pod of four dolphins. Unfortunately, only one of the four dolphins was brought aboard the processing boat for analysis. The other three had to be let go for their own safety.

        The first dolphin, a good sized male, was removed from the net and set on a floating pad in the water. He was restrained by five divers while still in the water on the pad. The dolphin was then brought aboard the processing boat by a well-built sling and set onto the pad. Several types of data were collected including biopsies, blood and urine samples, as well as a posterior tooth. The dolphin had to be continuously restrained by at least four or more people. Natalie had the responsibility of keeping the water buckets full so that the dolphin could constantly be rewetted by the staff. Its respiratory rate was monitored to ensure the dolphin's well-being. The crew was alerted when the dolphin went over a minute without taking a breath and the blowhole was then immediately moistened. Measurements of the body were taken with a tape measure, both lengthwise as well as circumference. Amy and two other workers were in charge of performing ultrasounds on the blubber and internal organs. Liquid nitrogen was used to freeze brand a three digit number on and below the dorsal fin for identification purposes. Lastly, small holes are drilled into the dorsal fin and a hydrodynamic tag with a VHF and satellite transmitters is affixed to the fin. The transmitter emits VHF signals that act as a tracking device for those dolphins tagged. Local anesthetics were administered to the dolphin before each of the procedures was performed. The dolphin was on the boat for about an hour and a half before being released back into the water.

After the dolphin was released, there was little time to relax. A second group of dolphins was again surrounded by the net. Once again, the dolphin brought on board was a slightly smaller, younger male. Similar procedures were performed on the second dolphin. A female was captured and tagged, however it was necessary to let her go before she could be brought onboard for examinations.

After and between the two captures, the researchers began to analyze and examine the samples and data that were obtained. A miniature laboratory was set up in the cabin area of the processing boat to accompany the needs of the scientists. The tooth removed from each of the dolphins serves in determining age as well as identifying certain diseases. The blood and urine samples will give insight to the dolphins' diet, health, as well as certain genetic characteristics. The biopsy will be analyzed to determine certain characteristics that distinguish these New Jersey dolphins from other species.

The process of getting data from dolphins is much more difficult than one might expect, but it is definitely worthwhile. The research being done will be able to access the health of the dolphin populations which will also access the health of the ecosystem as a whole. The transmitters on the dolphins will allow researches to see where the dolphins travel throughout the year and allow a better perspective on the life of dolphins.

Very little is known about the bottlenose dolphins that travel off the New Jersey Coast . Due to this fact, the research done by NOAA is extremely crucial. The data collected will provide researchers with the migratory patterns of these dolphins as well as their health and well being.