European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

Delfini Metropolitani is a long term research project of Acquario di Genova to study the ecology of cetaceans and, in particular, of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). The study area is located along the Eastern Ligurian coast, between Genoa and La Spezia. The research platforms are two 5.10 m long inflatables. Research activity is conducted during the whole year, depending on weather conditions. The project is mainly focused on the bottlenose dolphin with regards to habitat use, home range analysis, abundance estimates, and interactions with human activities (fishing, trawling, sea traffic). We use photo-ID techniques for abundance estimates, home range analysis and social structure analysis. We use ArcGIS 9.3 as a software tool for spatial analysis.