Photo diagnostic health monitoring of bottlenose dolphins, a proof of concept

Abstract

Four major migratory groups of coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) meet at the heart of the Mid-Atlantic region, in the waters off the coast of Virginia Beach, Virginia. This area is also a well-known calving ground for this species of dolphin. The existence of skin diseases and skin markings in marine mammals has been documented for over thirty years; yet, the ability of researchers to be out on the water to document and monitor the health of wild bottlenose dolphins is often limited. After the unusual mortality events (UMEs) of 2013-15 and 2018, there has been a great deal of emphasis on monitoring the bottlenose dolphin population. This study tests a proof of concept using a public tour vessel as a preliminary research platform to monitor the health of bottlenose dolphins in the Mid-Atlantic region. Photographic diagnostic techniques were used to document and identify various skin lesions, diseases, and markings observed on bottlenose dolphins. Collaborating with the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program, photographs of dolphins documented while on the trips were compared to those taken of stranded bottlenose dolphins from the same period of time.