As part of our mission to better understand and protect the Potomac-Chesapeake bottlenose dolphins and their ecosystem, we make it a priority to promote environmental stewardship through sound education and community outreach.
Student Education
Kate Jin, Dr. Janet Mann, and Desiarae Cambrelen collecting data aboard Ahoya. This was Kate's first day out on the water learning to collect data for her synchrony project!
Graduate and undergraduate students are involved in the PCDP, both in the field and at Georgetown University.
Some students work on specific research projects, while others assist in processing general project data.
A notable project is by Kate Jin, an undergraduate, who developed a senior thesis on mother-calf synchrony and presented it at the European Cetacean Society's annual conference in Funchal, Madeira.
Ann-Marie, Associate Director of PCDP and Duke University graduate student, researches population dynamics and other projects for her PhD.
Undergraduate students play a crucial role in processing photographs, coding them for valuable data, and helping match dolphins to the Mid-Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Catalog.
Opportunities for Students
We are always looking for passionate students, not limited to Georgetown University, to join the project.
Students interested in joining can fill out a quick questionnaire.
Community Outreach
During the first field season (July-October 2015), outreach efforts focused on the local community.
Dr. Janet Mann gave a research seminar, and locals were excited to learn about the project.
Highlights include residents learning dolphin names and participating in the naming scheme.
Expansion in 2018 with contributions to a Public Television documentary "Outdoors Maryland" (on MPT).
Consistent engagements with the Potomac Conservancy and Potomac River Fisheries Commission.
We encourage community involvement in research and data collection by reporting dolphin sightings.
Collaboration with Potomac Conservancy in 2019 for a naming contest and fundraiser, reaching millions of people through media outlets and social media.
How to Contribute
Community members can contribute photos, sighting data, and GPS information on dolphin sightings.
Critical role of the public in helping track wide-ranging dolphins.
For reported sightings of bottlenose dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay, visit chesapeakedolphinwatch.org.
Consider donating to our project so we can continue learning about our local dolphins!
Educational Impact
Public awareness through media collaborations, including NPR's Morning Edition and social media attention from figures like Chelsea Clinton.
Educating the larger public about dolphins in the local environment.