Both Dan and Amy have been involved in marine biology for over ten years. Dan earned his Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology from Texas A&M University and went on to complete his Ph.D. on the molecular ecology of sperm whales at the University of Durham, England. Dan continues to conduct research on the social and population structure of sperm whales around the world.
Amy completed her Bachelor of Science degree at Long Island University in Marine Science, with a biology concentration. She then studied at Texas A&M University at Galveston and earned her Master of Science studying bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Galveston, Texas. This project involved determining the movement patterns and behaviour of the dolphins in the area.
After working on a project studying the dusky dolphins off Kaikoura, we decided that New Zealand would be a wonderful place to settle. Finding the great opportunity of Dolphin Watch, we felt the business was the perfect way to combine our enthusiasm for the marine environment and educating the public. We continue to use our tours as an opportunistic science platform to gather valuable information on the dolphins that are encountered during the trips. We do this primarily through the use of photoidentification (photoID) methods. Here, pictures of the dolphins dorsal fins are taken by digital camera. Dolphins get patterns of nicks and notches along the trailing edge of their dorsal fin and this pattern can be used to identify individuals over time – think of it as a dolphin fingerprint! By comparing fin catalogs of individuals to other
geographic areas, we can begin to understand where dolphins move and whom they move with and this information is very important in deciding the best way to manage these protected species. Our efforts continue to provide the best set of data for numerous dolphin species in the Marlborough Sounds, making it an integral part of our tour.
Our staff members are carefully chosen for their enthusiasm and interest in the wildlife and history of the area and go through a great amount of training to ensure they are providing you with accurate and interesting information - while able to have a laugh with you as well:)
"We had an absolutely great time with the dolphins. It belongs to one of our . . ."
