Other Research Projects
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Tidal & Other Influences on Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
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This project is a joint PhD project between Deakin University and the Dolphin Research Institute. The southern end of Port Phillip Bay has been identified as being frequently used by large numbers of bottlenose dolphins. At this stage, we do not understand why this part of the Bay seems to be important to the dolphins.
This project is aiming to help understand the influence of the physical environment upon the dolphins of Port Phillip Bay. The work incorporates a close examination of historical records collected by the Institute over the last decade, as well as collecting information throughout the course of the project.
An important part of this work is modelling the influence of physical factors on numbers, distribution and behaviour of the dolphins. Understanding the role that physical factors play in influencing the dolphins' movements and behaviour may go some way towards understanding why Port Phillip Bay, particularly the southern end, is regularly inhabited by bottlenose dolphins.
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