The Korinthiakos Gulf Dolphin Project
The Korinthiakos Gulf Dolphin Project commenced in 1995 and aims at studying
the four dolphin species that inhabit these waters. Research up-to-date
indicates that the particular area exhibits the highest dolphin sighting
frequency in Greek Seas, and one of the highest in the Mediterranean.
Moreover, a unique biological phenomenon of symbiosis and interactions
among three of the four dolphin species that inhabit Korinthiakos Gulf
has been observed.
Study area and species
Korinthiakos Gulf is a rather closed and isolated area with quite deep
waters (maximum depth 935 metres). It is home to four dolphin species
that are present in the Greek seas. These species are:
Striped dolphins
Stenella coeruleoalba
Length: 2.1 metres (average length of a mature animal)
Common dolphins
Delphinus delphis
Length: 2 metres (average length of a mature animal)
Risso's dolphins
Grampus griseus
Length: 3.5 metres (average length of a mature animal)
Bottlenose dolphins
Tursiops truncatus
Length: 2.9 metres (average length of a mature animal)
Taken from "Guida dei Mammiferi Marini del Mediterraneo" Notarbartolo di Sciara & Demma
Franco Muzzio Editore
A unique phenomenon!
Since the very first expeditions in Korinthiakos Gulf, a unique biological
phenomenon became apparent. Three of the four resident dolphin species
(stripped, common and Risso's dolphins) form mixed pods. The permanent
symbiosis of these particular species has not been observed anywhere in
the world so far. In order to understand the importance of this phenomenon,
it should be mentioned that an equivalent situation (from the genetic
kinship point of view) would be the forming of a society and the coexistence
of humans, gorillas and chimpanzees, species which exhibit analogous genetic
differences with the ones that exist amongst the dolphin species of Korinthiakos
Gulf.
Phtotoidentification
Dolphins have certain pigmentation patterns, scars, nicks or parasites
on their dorsal fin or their bodies. Furthermore, their dorsal fin might
have a certain shape or size which differentiates one individual from
others (such as a very curved or triangular fin). These marks, shapes
and patterns are permanent and unique to each individual, thus rendering
it identifiable in the field or during analysis even after a long period
of time. Systematic photoidentification of a dolphin population can provide
us with important information regarding the size and the social structure
of a group or the entire population, the rate of increase or decrease
of a population, its range, mobility and migration patterns, possible
associations between individuals, as well a the "course" of
a certain individual through time.
Dolphin sounds
 Risso's dolphin buzz and clicks | Striped-common dolphin group |
Striped dolphin whistle and clicks |
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