Dolphin ecology, behavior and conservation

THE TUAMOTU ARCHIPELAGO

The Tuamotu Archipelago - population of 15,000 people -, an area threatened by climate change and rising waters, contains 78 atolls spread across an 800,000-square-kilometer ocean surface. It has 800 square kilometers of land for 20,000 square kilometers of lagoon - 0.1% and 2% of its maritime area respectively -, demonstrating how fragile this oasis of aquatic biodiversity is. The Tuamotu atolls are characterized by their height, shape, exposure to the ocean, population, and the activities performed there. There are small, closed lagoons, both hypersaline and brackish, and large lagoons open to the ocean like Fakarava, which features the largest pass in French Polynesia at 1,600 meters, and even a raised coral atoll, Makatea. Coral growth, which allows these small island reefs of only a few meters in altitude to exist, is directly affected by the slow and irreversible acidification of the oceans - a 30% increase over two and a half centuries. Here, as anywhere else, ecosystems are defenseless against commercial, demographic, and climate pressures. Here, more than anywhere else, the status of the marine mammal populations is largely unknown.

RANGIROA ATOLL

Yet 350 kilometers from Tahiti in the northwest Tuamotu Islands, the giant atoll of Rangiroa - ‘Great Sky’ in Paumotu -, a true oasis of life and diversity in the heart of the tropical Pacific, stretches its 170 kilometers of coral reefs, sands, and coconut trees around a 1,600-square-kilometer area with waters so fish-laden that it has become one of the world's top diving destinations. The atoll's impressive size - 80 kilometers long by 20 kilometers wide on average - and its two large passes, Avatoru and Tiputa, make it home to marine wildlife as exceptional as it is impressive.

THE NGO

Dolphins of Rangiroa - DOR - is a French Polynesian NGO dedicated to research, citizen science, conservation, education, and information sharing on Rangiroa common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Tuamotu Islands, French Polynesia.

Born in 2019, DOR benefits from a 10-year scientific monitoring experience on Rangiroa bottlenose dolphins and a 8-year experience with ecovolunteers from all over the world who join us every year to help the NGO complete its field missions in partnership with Objectif Sciences International.

We focus our work on 1. The demographic and social monitoring of the bottlenose dolphin community inhabiting Tiputa waters, on the northern part of Rangiroa atoll, and 2. A better understanding of the behavioral changes observed in these animals as part of their interactions with diving tourism. We are thus interested in each of the dolphins’ history and personality.

THE COMMON BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

The common bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, is distributed throughout the five Polynesian archipelagoes. However, the species is most regularly seen in Rangiroa atoll than in other Polynesian islands. In French Polynesia, adults can reach up to 3.5 meters and weigh up to 400 kilos. They are easily identified by their stocky and grayish body prolongated by a thick rostrum. The line of their mouth, curved upwards, gives them a ‘smiling’ appearance. Nevertheless, this morphological feature does not reflect the overall species’ behaviors as these dolphins have an extremely complex social life and may display affiliative behaviors such as play and petting as well as agonistic ones - e.g. intimidation, aggression. The numerous marks, notches and scars visible on the adult males’ bodies perfectly illustrate these animals’ strength.

RANGIROA DOLPHINS AND THE DIVING TOURISM ISSUE

Since 2009, DOR's scientific director has been studying the bottlenose dolphin community inhabiting the northern part of Rangiroa atoll. Her work mainly focuses on the impacts of tourist activities on the dolphins’ behavior. Indeed, these animals are targeted daily by commercial and non commercial ‘dolphin watching’ activities. Literature and the media have endowed cetaceans with a reputation that predisposes people to expect friendly interactions with free-ranging dolphins. Theme parks and aquaria, where people can touch, feed and swim with captive dolphins, enhance this reputation.

The popularity of marine mammal viewing activities can result in conservation and socioeconomic benefits for the animals and local communities alike if they are conducted responsibly and with care, in accordance with existing regulations that protect these iconic species. However, if viewing activities are not conducted appropriately, they can place marine mammals at significant risk of harassment, injury or death.

Some of Rangiroa dolphins have been conditioned on the medium to long term to tolerate or even seek out physical contact with scuba divers and snorkellers. Such a situation raises concerns about the risks related to unmanaged interactions between humans and wild dolphins. These risks include:

1. An increase in the number of diving accidents through, for example, ‘pushy’ behaviours or intimidation attempts from the dolphins and / or divers forgetting basic diving safety rules;

2. Disease transmission from dolphins to humans and vice versa;

3. An increase in the vulnerability to human activities of dolphins which have become too familiar - reduced avoidance responses to hazardous situations -, resulting in collisions with boats, propeller injuries, fishing gear entanglement, etc.;

4. Reduced overall behavioural repertoires, compromising ‘wildness’;

5. Changes in ranging and social patterns;

6. The implementation of an ‘open water dolphinarium’ situation lacking basic educational components.

OUR GOALS

For many years, divers and snorkellers have encouraged physical contact with bottlenose dolphins - especially young individuals - on the Tiputa area. This situation has made some dolphins familiar with humans, putting them particularly at risk within the context of anthropogenic activities. Indeed, overconfident animals may easily be injured or even destroyed if displaying invasive or aggressive behavior towards humans.

The scientific and conservation objectives of DOR are as follows:

1. Long-term demographic and ecological monitoring of the Tiputa bottlenose dolphin community - abundance, community structure, site fidelity, social organization, reproduction parameters, kinship, diet.

2. Long-term ethological monitoring to describe and better understand the impacts of tourism on the dolphins’ behavior and risks related to close interactions between dolphins and divers.

3. Awareness raising of the general public through the sharing of our results and recommendations. This work aims at improving and perpetuating our relationships with wildlife.

WHAT IS THE ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER?

Volunteers are trained to identify Rangiroa bottlenose dolphins, basic behaviors and help collecting underwater video data.

Minimum level 1, Open Water PADI / SSI or equivalent is required to participate in scuba diving activities. It is possible to get certified on site after about a week of training. We advise people wishing to get certified to come one week before the beginning of the mission. Do not forget to bring your certification card and logbook as well as a medical certificate. In order to be able to enjoy the lagoon we also advise you to bring your own fins, mask and snorkel.

WHAT ARE THE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES?

Divers and / or snorkellers are invited to participate in the following activities:

1. Video shooting of the bottlenose dolphins’ behaviors in the Tiputa area.

Before each dive a briefing on the area prospected, sea conditions and safety procedures is led by the diving instructor. An informal debriefing led by the scientific coordinator takes place after each dive. The divers follow their guide throughout the dive which generally lasts from 45 to 70'. Time spent at sea is approximately 60-90’ depending on the duration of the dive. The sighting area is located about 5-10’ by boat from the center.

2. Boat survey and snorkelling on the ocean side.

When weather conditions are good, boat and snorkelling surveys are organized on the ocean side. The boat drifts over the main dolphin habitat. You will be responsible for collecting a number of simple data without danger or discomfort for you and the dolphins. This activity usually lasts from 70 to 90’. Beware of possible seasickness.

Underwater cameras are highly recommended. The NGO does not provide fins, masks, snorkels and / or wetsuits. 

3. Land sightings.

Long breaking waves - called ‘mascaret’ - resulting from the meeting of a tidal current coming out of the lagoon with ocean water run through Tiputa pass twice a day. This exceptional setting constitutes a privileged socialization area for the bottlenose dolphins which regularly come to surf and leap into the waves. We can practice photo identification and get a glimpse of the social organization of the dolphin community. This activity lasts about 1:30 and is supervised by DOR's scientific coordinator.

4. Part of the day is dedicated to data processing, comments, debates and training courses.

WITH WHOM WILL THE VOLUNTEERS BE WORKING WITH?

The volunteers will be supervised by DOR's scientific coordinator, the captain and diving instructors.

WHAT DO WE EXPECT FROM THE VOLUNTEERS?

Our mission is a participative tool for the demographic, ecological and ethological monitoring of a small and protected bottlenose dolphin community. It will allow you to observe and better understand these animals' routine and issues related to their conservation while helping DOR to sustain its dolphin monitoring program.

WHAT CAN THE VOLUNTEERS EXPECT FROM US?

DOR's scientific coordinator has been monitoring this dolphin community for more than ten years. She will share part of her experience and knowledge to allow you to observe, meet and better understand this small dolphin community. Volunteers are trained to be able to individually identify resident dolphins and get knowledge about their behavioral repertoire.

DO THE VOLUNTEERS HAVE TO BRING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT?

We strongly recommend volunteers to take their own fins, mask and snorkel as well as a lycra or diving suit. It may also be useful to bring a laptop, hard drive and underwater shooting equipment. For your comfort, we advise you to bring a hat or cap, polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a seasickness remedy, a raincoat, a mosquito repellent and mosquito net, and a tube of antibiotic ointment.

RECOMMENDATIONS

> Good physical and mental condition. No heart disease or treatment requiring immediate proximity to hospitals or doctors.

> For those who have not dived or snorkelled for more than six months. A security visit to an ENT as well as a refresh dive. You will have to present your diving certificate and logbook. People wishing to get certified must present a medical certificate.

> Good ability to live with others, to participate in cleaning and cooking.

> Some cooking notions and computer skills will be highly appreciated.

> Adaptability, patience, thoroughness and good humor are welcome.

GOOD TO KNOW

> A biometric passport and an ESTA form are required for stopovers in the United States.

> The voltage used is 220V.

> All field activities are dependent on the weather and currents.

> The water is always at the perfect temperature - between 25 and 29°C. However, you should beware of currents, especially along channels.

> It is prohibited to dive less than 12:00 before a domestic flight, 24:00 for an international flight.

> Avoid swimming at night or wearing shiny jewelry while swimming or diving near the reefs - moray eels, barracudas. We do not recommended swimming in areas where fish have recently been cleaned. Beware of stonefish and do not touch the coral or other animals. Never collect live coral or shells.

> We recommend wearing a Neoprene suit. You should generally avoid walking barefoot in the water.

> Be careful of the sun and dehydration. We strongly recommend bringing sunscreen, antibiotic ointment, and antihistamine cream.

> Beware of mosquitoes during longer stays - dengue fever is still a risk. There are no mosquitoes at sea.

> Fresh water is a rare and precious commodity in the Tuamotu Islands.

> Be careful not to feed stray dogs and cats to avoid familiarizing them near the bungalows or the kitchen.

> The local currency is the French Pacific franc, which is indexed to the euro. €1=XPF 119.33. Cash is handy when you want to buy yourself a sandwich or a drink, or take a taxi. ATMs are found at Rangiroa airport and Tiputa village. A meal at a snack bar costs about XPF 1,700 - €14. Expect to pay XPF 3,000 / person in a small restaurant and XPF 6,000 in a large restaurant. 1.5-liter soft drink > about XPF 600.

A box of inexpensive cakes > XPF 250. Taxi ride > XPF 1,000 / 12 kilometers in Tahiti; XPF 500–1,000 / person on the islands. Land-based Wi-Fi internet connection > XPF 500 / hour – XPF 12,000 / 50 hours. Phone card > XPF 1,000. If you want to use your cell phone in Polynesia, please contact your carrier before the trip.

> Rangiroa has a dispensary, doctors and a pharmacy.

> Baggage from overseas cannot exceed 30 kilograms.

> Drugs are strictly forbidden.

WHAT DOES THE VOLUNTEER DO ON A DAY-TO-DAY BASIS?

The first meeting takes place on Monday morning at 10:00 at the "Teina and Marie" guesthouse in Rangiroa. After introducing the team, safety tips and place, the mission takes place over 14 to 21 days with one trip every day dedicated to observing and collecting data on the animals and their environment, and part of the day dedicated to debriefings and comments on the data collected as well as training courses about the dolphins and tools used. The mission ends on Sunday morning. The first Sunday and second Monday of the mission are free days. General debriefing and sharing of photos and videos collected during the mission is scheduled on the last Sunday morning.

ARE THERE SPECIAL WORKING HOURS?

Field sessions typically last about half a day. Training and data analysis typically last about two hours every day. These activities usually take place somewhere between 7:30 and 11:00 a.m. and 13:30 and 15:30 p.m.

SWIMMING

In French Polynesia water is always at the perfect temperature - between 25 and 29°C. However, you should beware of currents, especially along channels. Avoid swimming at night or wearing shiny jewelry while swimming or diving near the reefs - moray eels, barracudas. We do not recommended swimming in areas where fish have recently been cleaned. Beware of stonefish and do not touch the coral or other animals. Never collect live coral or shells. We recommend wearing a Neoprene suit. You should generally avoid walking barefoot in the water.

SCUBA DIVING

It is possible to do exploratory and drift dives during your free time.

HIKING

Volunteers can visit Avatoru and Tiputa villages and participate in local tours. The ''reef island'' and "blue lagoon" sites are particularly popular. It is also possible to observe the dolphins from the shore at "La cité des dauphins".