Dolphins:
DOLPHINS GUIDE
In 1987 a team of the Research Institute Tethys started a long research of biology, ecology and social structure of the community of bottlenose dolphins that colonize the sea around the islands of Cres and Losinj. Today these dolphins are one of the best-explored groups in the whole Mediterranean.
The size of the community is estimated at 120 individuals.
Most of the individuals can be identified by photographs thanks to natural marks such as cuts and scars on their back fin, the part which is always to be seen when they come out to the surface to breath the air.
There are many threats to Cres-Lošinj dolphin population. Pleasure boating can physically obstruct their movements whilst engine noise may disrupt their navigational senses. Although among the most resistant and adaptable cetacean, good dolphins are gradually dying out in many parts of the world. The intentional killing and accidental catch in fishing-nets represent an evident threat.
Since 1995 Croatian law has protected all cetaceans in our waters from physical harm and harassment. You can help by adopting an environmentally friendly behaviour promoting sustainable use and the protection of the natural environment.
Join us in our work:
Volunteering campaign is dedicated to highly motivated individuals that join us and spend 12 days in our field base, actively participating in our daily routine and gaining knowledge and experience of working with professional researchers in the field. If you wish to participate in one of the volunteer stages or get more information on volunteering, check at www.blue-world.org
ADOPT A DOLPHIN
The “Adopt a dolphin“ is also a public awareness campaign, where the public is invited to make a donation to the project. In return «adopters» receive an adoption pack. If you wish to adopt a dolphin you can do it either in Veli Lošinj or on-line at www.blue-world.org
When you adopt a dolphin you will receive Adoption pack that includes:
• Personalised Adoption Certificate
• Attractive bookmarks
• A yearly issue of «Aquamarin»
• A leaflet on Adriatic Dolphin Project
• Photo of the dolphin with informative text
Yearly adoption fee is 150 Kn (20 €), 250 Kn (35 €) or 500 Kn (70 €).
Individual adoption
- adoption pack
- membership card 150 kn
Individual adoption Plus
- adoption pack
- membership card
- T-shirt „I adopted a dolphin“ 250 kn
Company adoption
- adoption pack
- poster (35x100cm) 500 kn
School and Kindergarden adoption
- adoption pack
- CD-ROM with information about whales and dolphins
- A3 poster 250 kn
DOLPHIN DAY
"Dolphin day", thematic lectures in schools and kindergartens and the promotion of the protection of these islands. DOLPHIN DAY as a public event has been held since 1993 in Veli Lošinj, on the first Saturday in August.
DOLPHIN DAY includes a children art exhibition in the centre of Veli Lošinj, games for kids "IN SEARCH OF…", photography exhibit, movie projections and open air concerts. Brochures, posters, puzzles have been published. Every year the event is symbolised by a different dolphin design on T-shirts and has a different educational slogan. Many locals, as well as numerous tourists contribute to the success of the event.