Aquamarina

For over 25 years, Aquamarina has carried out efforts to reduce Franciscana Dolphin incidental bycatch through its range in Argentina. Every new project provides information that contributes to its protection. Alternative fishing technologies have been tested, such as long lines, reflective nets and acoustic alarms. The latest alarms have proved to be very effective and are being used by local fishermen. Much has been learned from the 7 previous Franciscana tagging and tracking sessions, about ranging patterns, movements, and dive depths and durations. This information is being shared with the government and other stakeholders so, working together, a possible solution to dolphin bycatch may be found.

A few members of Aquamarina’s interdisciplinary team have had previous opportunities to train with the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, but we believe it is important to train more team members to continue our work for the conservation of the Franciscanas. To this end, Aquamarina will send 4 team members for training with the SDRP during catch-and-release health assessments in 2023, and a fourth member will also participate in a 3-month internship. These trainings will greatly increase the capacity of Aquamarina to safely and effectively conduct Franciscana conservation research in Argentina.