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GoM Estuarine Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-identification studies - NRDA

Published by Southeast Fisheries Science Center | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Department of Commerce | Metadata Last Checked: January 27, 2026 | Last Modified: 2024-02-29T00:00:00.000+00:00
These data sets include a compilation of small vessel based studies of bottlenose dolphins that reside within Barataria Bay, LA, Mississippi Sound, MS and nearshore coastal waters. The data consist primarily of photo-identification studies that use natural markings on animal dorsal fins to identify individuals over time. Surveys consist of line transects aboard small boats with concentrated effort to collect photographs of individuals. These photographs are reviewed to identify and catalog individual animals. In addition, several targeted studies have been conducted within this program to collect tissue biopsy samples for genetics, stable isotope, and contaminant analyses. These data have been used to support estimates of reproductive success and estimate abundance of bottlenose dolphins in support of the injury assessment for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.

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