Dr. Randall Wells, Program Manager
Center Mission
The mission of the Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research is to provide the highest quality information possible to enhance scientific understanding of the biology, requirements, and habitats of these aquatic vertebrates; to inform wise conservation and management decisions; to provide professional leadership among our scientific peers and students worldwide; and to disseminate our findings to scientists, conservationists, and the general public.
The Center consists of five major research programs:
Dolphin Research Program
The Dolphin Research Program includes the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, which studies coastal dolphins, and the Offshore Cetacean Ecology Program, which studies dolphins of the continental shelf and deeper waters. The Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, the world's longest-running dolphin research program, is a collaborative effort between Mote Marine Laboratory, where the program originated in 1970, the Chicago Zoological Society, and colleagues from around the world. The primary purpose is to develop an understanding of the structure and dynamics of populations of small cetaceans, as well as the natural and anthropogenic (of human origin) factors that impact them. We use an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach in conducting studies of bottlenose dolphins within the unique long-term "natural laboratory" of Sarasota Bay, year-round home to more than 140 identifiable resident individuals. The primary goals of this program include (1) collecting biological, behavioral, ecological, and health data of importance to the conservation of small cetaceans, especially bottlenose dolphins, (2) providing requisite information for bottlenose dolphin conservation to wildlife management agencies, (3) disseminating the information generated by our program to scientific and general audiences in order to aid dolphin conservation efforts, (4) using our model program to develop and refine hypotheses regarding bottlenose dolphins in other parts of the species' range as well as other species of small cetaceans, and (5) using the established natural laboratory to develop and test new research tools and methodologies of potential benefit to conservation efforts, and (6) to train cetacean conservation workers from around the world in the use of these techniques. (Randall S. Wells, PhD, Program Manager.) For more information please visit www.sarasotadolphin.org.
The Offshore Cetacean Ecology Program seeks to enhance our knowledge and conservation of whales and dolphins (cetaceans) in offshore waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Our study area spans between 20 nautical miles from the west Florida coast out to 200 miles offshore, beyond the continental slope. Data on dolphin distributions, abundance, behavior, population characteristics, genetics, and man-made contaminant concentrations are collected from shipboard platforms during offshore research surveys. We conduct these surveys using a variety of vessels, ranging from private boats 30 feet in length up to scientific research vessels 150 feet in length. Marine mammal observers gather distributional and photo-identification data while underway at sea, and physical and biological data are gathered using a variety of scientific tools. These data are then analyzed to understand relationships between different species of dolphins and their environment, and to provide measures of abundance and ecological health of dolphin species. (Robert Griffin, PhD, Deputy Program Manager)
Manatee Research Program
The Manatee Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory is an important, long-term partner in efforts to conserve endangered manatees by addressing needs identified in the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan. The overarching objective of the program includes the acquisition of scientific information to permit fuller understanding of manatee biology and to assist managers to make wise decisions. In addition, we engage in public awareness and education and work to forge linkages and partnerships with other groups. Some specific activities and their implications include the following: a) assessing aspects of the thermal biology of manatees, a necessity as warm-water refuges on which manatees depend in winter will soon disappear; b) using photo-identification to assess life history attributes of manatees and to assist modelers to assess trends in survival of adult manatees; c) investigating, with the use of telemetry and other tools, habitat preferences of manatees and specific habitat features (biological, geological, chemical) associated with preferred habitat; d) conducting aerial surveys to determine manatee distribution, habitat preferences, and trends; e evaluating boat speed zones and boating activity as a resource management tool for manatee protection; and f) assessing functional morphology of reproductive structures and other anatomical features. Program staff members have produced books and articles for both technical and general audiences on these and other topics. (John E. Reynolds, III, PhD, Program Manager; James A. "Buddy" Powell, PhD, Deputy Program Manager)
Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program
Annual conservation efforts along the 48 kilometers of Sarasota County shoreline by Sea Turtle Conservation and Research Program staff, interns and volunteers document the status of shoreline habitat and trends in sea turtle nesting over the years. Data show that nesting by loggerhead turtles has declined in the past four years while green turtle nesting, although very low in numbers, has increased. Nest predation by both natural and non-indigenous predators has increased during the same time period. Studies of nesting turtles conducted each summer during the height of the nesting season document observations of the condition of the turtle, nesting behaviors, and nesting intervals through the use of external flipper and Passive Integrated Transponder (PIT) tags. The nighttime study of nesting turtles provides data on the activity, distribution and movement of turtles on the nesting beach and aids in the assessment of suitable nesting habitats. In-water capture, documentation and release of turtles provide valuable information on the population of turtles remaining year round in the waters of the central Gulf coast. The in-water capture efforts document sea turtle abundance and habitat usage in the Charlotte Harbor area. The resulting population assessment of juvenile sea turtles within the Harbor and surrounding waters will provide additional data on this critical life stage as well as aid in the management and conservation of sea turtles along Florida's central Gulf coast. (Jerris Foote, Program Manager; Tony Tucker, PhD, Deputy Program Manager)
Sensory Biology and Behavior Program
The Sensory Biology and Behavior Program crosses taxonomic lines to study sensory and cognitive processes and capabilities in a variety of marine animals. In an ongoing study program members are studying ultrasonic (involving frequencies much higher than those humans can hear) hearing in fishes. Research on manatee sensory abilities is being conducted through the Program, in conjunction with New College, exploring the visual acuity and hearing capabilities of Mote manatees Hugh and Buffett. Program scientists working in conjunction with NOAA Fisheries and Florida State University, are also tagging northern right whales in the Bay of Fundy with a suction-cup mounted acoustic data logger tag to learn how these highly endangered whales respond to the sounds of approaching vessels, one of the worst threats these animals face. Scientists working in conjunction with the University of South Florida are examining the hearing capabilities of bottlenose dolphins. Program scientists are also developing methodology to conduct acoustic surveys of ecosystems such as Charlotte Harbor. (William Tavolga, PhD, Program Manager; Doug Nowacek, PhD, Deputy Program Manager)
Stranding Investigations Program
The Stranding Investigations Program at Mote Marine Laboratory provides a 24-hour response to marine mammal and sea turtle stranding events within the coastal waters of central west Florida. The program also offers logistical support to state biologists in the verification and rescue of sick, injured or dead manatees, an endangered species living in Florida's coastal waters. Live and beach-cast stranded cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and marine turtles are recovered and transported to MML for rehabilitation or detailed post-mortem examination. Since the inception of the program (1984), over 460 cetacean stranding incidents representing nearly 20 cetacean species have been recorded. The goals of the program are to increase the understanding of the natural history of the cetaceans and marine turtles occurring in the area, and to evaluate the long-term trends in mortality as it relates to pathological conditions or human-related activities. Such research data are crucial in the implementation of management efforts and conservation plans designed to protect these animals. (Nélio B. Barros, PhD, Program Manager; Deborah Fauquier, DVM, MPVM, Deputy Program Manager)
To report a stranding of a dolphin, whale, manatee, or sea turtle, please call the Stranding Investigation Program's 24-hour pager: 988-0212