ORA

This project investigates the behavioral ecology of Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) in Monterey Bay, California, a region of high biological productivity shaped by coastal upwelling, submarine canyons, and complex prey distributions.

Monterey Bay represents a critical habitat for Risso’s dolphins, where they are frequently observed engaging in foraging, socializing, and traveling behaviors. Despite their regular presence, many aspects of their behavior, population structure, and ecological role remain poorly understood.

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Document Behavioral Repertoires:

• Systematically record surface behaviors, including foraging, resting, traveling, and social interactions.
   

Examine Group Dynamics:

• Characterize group size, composition, and social associations to better understand social organization.

Photo-Identification Catalogue

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Investigate Foraging Ecology:

• Identify patterns of foraging behavior relative to oceanographic features and prey distributions (particularly cephalopods).
   

Assess Habitat Use:

• Map sighting data across Monterey Bay to identify behavioral “hotspots” and spatial/temporal habitat preferences

• Assess the ecological and anthropogenic impact of the market squid fishery on Risso's dolphins.

Photo-identification Catalog

• Maintain a long-term catalogue of individually identified Risso’s dolphins using unique dorsal fin shapes, scars, and pigmentation patterns. This catalogue will be a vital resource for tracking population health, monitoring site fidelity, and assessing demographic trends over time.