A remarkable chance to see dolphins, whales and other marine life up close and learn about the real world of marine biology and oceanography in the field! OCS Ride Along Programs offer unique and diverse opportunities to accompany Los Angeles Dolphin Project researchers and participate "hands-on" in actual marine mammal surveys while supporting the continuing research of Ocean Conservation Society.
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Guests may simply observe or participate by aiding researchers in actual data collection which includes marine mammal behavior observation and counting, seabird identification, bioacoustic recording of dolphin vocalizations, prey sampling, photo identification and surface and underwater video recording of dolphin behavior and mixed species interactions. LADP staff will explain the methodology and significance of the research, conservation issues and marine ecology. |
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Based on the study: Inshore Bottlenose Dolphin Social Structure and Behavior
Leaves Marina del Rey at 7:00 AM returning mid to late afternoon. We will proceed north or south from Marina del Rey, hugging the coastline in search of coastal bottlenose dolphins. We will do photo-id and take behavioral data on animals we encounter.
Based on the study: Offshore Bottlenose Dolphin Social Structure and Behavior
Leaves Marina del Rey at 7:00 AM returning late afternoon to early evening. We will proceed offshore from Marina del Rey, in search of offshore bottlenose dolphins. We will attempt photo-id, take behavioral data, record and process dolphin sounds and take surface and underwater video on animals we encounter. This survey may take us over 30 miles offshore in the Southern California Bight.
Based on the study: Aggregations between Dolphins, Sea Lions and Seabirds
Leaves Marina del Rey at 7:00 AM returning mid to late afternoon. We will proceed offshore from Marina del Rey, toward one of three submarine canyons on the escarpment of the Santa Monica Bay looking for common dolphins groups in aggregation with sea lions and seabirds. We will take behavioral data, surface and underwater video and bioacoustic recordings on animals we encounter.
Based on the study: The Effects of Pollution on Cetaceans
Using satellite imagery to localize areas of ocean pollution, this study gathers information on anthropogenic impacts on marine mammals and their habitats. This is a two-day survey that includes spending a night aboard the boat! Surveys leave at 7:30 AM and generally return the following day in the afternoon. Nights may be spent at Catalina Island or other local ports depending on weather and dolphin sightings.
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March - April 2006 |
| Sat |
Mar 4 |
Pinniped / Dolphin Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Sat |
Mar 11 |
Inshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Mon |
Mar 13 |
Offshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Sat |
Mar 25 |
Pinniped / Dolphin Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Mon |
Mar 27 |
Inshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Sun |
Apr 2 |
Pinniped / Dolphin Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Sat |
Apr 8 |
Offshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
| Mon |
Apr 10 |
Pinniped / Dolphin Survey |
7:00 AM |
Th |
Apr 13 |
Inshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
Th |
Apr 27 |
Inshore Survey |
7:00 AM |
One day Ride-Along programs are $75.00 (minimum donation) per person.
Ocean Conservation Society is a California 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All program fees are tax-deductible contributions and will be used entirely to help continue LA Dolphin Project research. Programs are booked on a first come first served basis. Payments are fully refundable if cancellation is made 48 hours before the survey date or if the survey is cancelled due to weather conditions.
Choose one of the options below to make your reservations:
Use our secure account at Paypal to book your reservations on-line!
Simply follow the link below and include the following information in the Paypal field entitled SURVEY DATE & ALTERNATE DATE:
- Desired survey date (refer to current program schedule above)
- Alternate date (if possible) should your first choice no longer be available
- Contact us at (310) 822 5205 to make your reservation
- Send a check or money order ($75.00 per person) payable to Ocean Conservation Society to:
Ocean Conservation Society
P.O. Box 12860
Marina del Rey, CA 90295
- Program fee includes continental breakfast, hot & cold drinks and snacks
- Maximum number of ride-along participants is 6
- Children may participate but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if under the age of 12
- All participants must sign a waiver
- Participants under the age of 18 must provide a waiver/permission slip signed by a parent or guardian
The LA Dolphin Project research vessel is a fully equipped and comfortable 50-foot sailboat with a full galley and private restroom. The boat is maintained and operated by a licensed US Coast Guard Captain and all LADP staff are trained for ocean safety and proficient seamanship.
Please contact us for more information:
info@oceanconservation.org
Phone: (310) 822. 5205
Fax: (310) 822. 5729
Ocean Conservation Society
P.O. Box 12860
Marina del Rey, CA 90295
© 2005 Ocean Conservation Society.
All Rights Reserved. |
