About the project

Our study objective is to collect data on the local population of bottlenose dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay, focusing on analysing their groupings, behavioural patterns, and health through non-invasive research techniques*. During field season, we run research excursion trips every day, three times a day. As part of our research study we collect environmental data such as the pH, temperature, Beaufort scale and visibility of the water, and cross reference it with our dolphin data to gain insight into the ideal conditions for our resident pods. One reason this is important is because dolphins are a big indicator of the health of the bay, so we can use this data as a goal to move towards in terms of target bay PH, algae growth, exc. We will be using a range of equipment including an advanced camera to build a fluke-book and so we can analyse their behaviours out of water, an non-intrusive underwater video camera, to try and get an idea of what is going on below the surface, and water testing equipment, for reasons specified above. We do not swim with the dolphins, feed them or harass* them in any way to get this data .

If we are successful in collecting enough data, we hope to compare wild dolphin pod groupings and behaviour patterns with that of captive dolphins, and other dolphin breeds by partnership with other organisations. Our aim is to determine the impact of different environments on their natural behaviours. By better understanding these dolphins, we hope to facilitate greater mutual respect and understanding between humans and dolphins.

Furthermore, we intend to raise awareness in our local community about the adverse effects of boat traffic and underwater noise on dolphin communication. The more we understand them, the more will care for them and protect them. By safeguarding the dolphin population, we thereby improve the overall health and biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay ecosystem. If successful, our findings will be shared with the local community to promote empathy and respect for dolphins.

*How do we define invasive and harassment? Anything that is considered illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act; including but not limited to approaching beyond 50 yards, observing for over 30min, or circling the marine mammal(s). We will also leave if the pod is showing any signs of distress such as tail slapping or excessive aerials, or doing sensitive behaviours such as nursing. If they approach while we are underway (bow riding) we gradually decrease speed until we have stoped, and do not move the boat until they have left. (If we leave immediately after, we run the risk of them following, and hurting them as well as giving them positive exposure to humans.)

We are an organisation dedicated to the understanding & conservation of wild dolphins in the Chesapeake Bay

Meet Our Team

  • Una Harrington

    FOUNDER

    Una Harrington is the Founder and Head of Research for The Chesapeake Dolphin Project. She has a deep passion for animal cognition and welfare, as well as animal sciences. When not out doing field work, or in consultation with Alfred Harrington, she is probably writing her next screenplay, watching a sitcom, hanging out with the magical dolphin Summer (pictured above) down at the Dolphin Research Center or reading a really good book.

  • Kyle LaPointe

    CFO AND HEAD OF RESEARCH

    Kyle is a 17yr old highschooler who is passionate about his work in many sectors of his life. Whether it be his research, his artistic endeavours or his academics. He has two dogs and a tiny turtle named squirtle. He loves his work and his people here at CDP!

  • Intern

    Jasper Courant

    INTERN & FUNDRAISER

    Passionate about animals, especially dolphins and how they communicate with each other, Jasper is our first intern! He is dedicated to community service and cares deeply about the earth and the environment. Jasper has recently attended trainings at both the Dolphin Research Center and DolphinPlus Marine Mammal Response. He is great friends with DRC’s Marina an Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin!

  • Arden Quintus

    INTERN

    Arden is a 11yr old passionate and dedicated intern. She thinks “it’s amazing all the things dolphins can do” and thinks dolphins are “cute, clever and playful”. In her spare time she loves to draw or to any thing creative, such as painting, cooking and textiles art!

  • Amelia Oates

    MEDIA DIRECTOR

    Amelia is 16yr old marine biologist with a love for dolphins, alththough she is very passionate about all marine animals. She works on our fluke-book, matching and editing our dorsal shots, as well as defining pods and naming all our resident dolphins! She aims to learn more as well as preserving and protecting our beautiful animals. In her free time you can find her swimming or looking at dolphin web-cams.

  • Jib

    MASCOT

    Jib here is our mascot! Often accompanying us on research trips and trainings, Jib has followed us to three different states! Jib is named after one of our treasured donors, however his nicknames include Jibber, J, Jibber-Jabber, and Jib-Jib.

  • Madeline Aftahi

    VOLUNTEER

    Madeline is a dedicated volunteer, always willing to pick a phone call from Una, come up with more dolphin names or make art for fundraisers. She loves all animals, especially horses, dogs, and dolphins. If she isn’t brainstorming fundraisers or helping to build our hydraphone, you can usually find her horseback riding with Aqua (pictured above), spending time with her golden retriever Tiggy, or reading.

  • Scout

    RESEARCH ASSISTANT

    Scoutie does many things here for us at CDP, namely helping us out on the water! When she is not napping in the back of the boat, she is using her massive nose for good and helping sniff for dolphins! Scout has also been known to model for The Chesapeake Dolphin Project. Scout’s proudest achievements include stealing a jelly doughnut form a small child and having Bradley Cooper call her “cute”.

  • Alfie Harrington

    Alfred P. Harrington

    CHIEF HAPPINESS ENFORCER

    Alfie Harrington is a well established Happiness Enforcer. He attended school at Leash Free Living and is currently working on a PHD in barking. He has previously held jobs as Squirrel Protection Enforcement and Floor-Cleaning management. In his spare time he enjoys birdwatching and puzzles.