About the port aransas dolphin project
Fig. 1 Study Site in Port Aransas
|
Dolphin on bow of ocean-going tug boat
|
Dolphins, Humans, and the Port Aransas Channel
The Port Aransas Channel (PAC) in south Texas is home to what appears to be a thriving bottlenose dolphin, (Tursiops truncatus), population. Historically, the channel (See fig. 1), has provided important habitat for dolphins and other marine life, (Gunter, 1942), and continues to do so today. The PAC, however, experiences high boat traffic density, there is heavy industrial use of the channel and plans are underway to enlarge the channel (Port of Corpus Christi, 2017). This does not appear to bode well for the dolphin population. In an effort to generate more awareness within the community as well as to collect data on the dolphins, a community based research program, known as The Port Aransas Dolphin Project, was created.
The PAC has clearly been an important resource for dolphins. It provides food sources year-round as well as more stable water temperatures as opposed to the very shallow surrounding waters of Laguna Madre and the bays where temperature fluctuating is great (Leatherwood, & Reeves, 1983), (Maze & Wursig, 1999). Another important component of the PAC are the confluences of the Corpus Christi Channel and the Lydia Ann Channels with the PAC (See fig. 1). Abiotic systems in the environment, such as the confluences of water bodies, support ecosystem services that contribute to increased productivity, (Rice, Kiffney, Greene, & Pess, 2008). This means the PAC is very important not only for dolphins, but also provides food resources and habitat for other species of fish, sharks and sea birds. Finally, docks, piers and other structures that dominate a large portion of the PAC provide shelter and habitat for fish species and marine invertebrates, and contribute to biodiversity.
Dolphins are attracted to areas with very high density boat traffic, a phenomenon seen in other parts of the world, but it is not fully understood, (Fertl, 1994), (Liu & Hills, 1997), (Maze & Wursig, 1999), (Ribaric & Robinson, 2006). The PAC is no exception. Currently, the Port of Corpus Christi has plans to expand the channel and to make it deeper, (Port of Corpus Christi, 2017). As the number one exporter of crude oil in the United States, it is also the fourth largest US port in total tonnage (100 million tons/yr.). This results in $150 billion in “economic activity” for the nation (Port of Corpus Christi, 2017). The Port Of Corpus Christi is also vitally important to the region for jobs and the local economy. There are plans currently underway costing approximately $327 million to deepen the channels an additional 7 feet and to widen the channel another 130 ft to accommodate supertankers in the future. Ground breaking began spring 2018, (Port of Corpus Christi, 2017).
The bigger question is how are these anthropogenic factors going to impact dolphins. There is evidence to suggest that dolphins are not as negatively impacted by commercial/industrial vessels, as opposed to recreational vessels (Lusseau, 2003), (Ng, & Leung, 2003). It is possible that the increased commercial vessel and super tanker traffic projected for the future would not be as problematic as some may think. But, it is vital that baseline data is collected first to better understand this issue and others.
Fortunately, the PAC is easily accessible, and it is an ideal location to observe dolphins anytime to collect data. Near the mouth of the PAC on the southwest bank, lies Roberts Point Park. It is owned by the City of Port Aransas and has a fishing pier, fish cleaning stations, playgrounds, picnic and BBQ areas as well as a two-story observation tower. The park is used by both locals and tourists. The park has been used in the past for dolphin watching and makes an ideal spot to conduct research as well as to get the community involved.
Observation tower at Roberts Point Park, Port Aransas, TX
|
Barges in background as 2 dolphins pass by dredging equipment
|
Research and Community Involvement
The PAC is frequently used by bottlenose dolphins on a year-round basis (Shane, 1980). Very few studies have been conducted since then and currently very little is known about the status of bottlenose dolphins in South Texas. The purpose of the Port Aransas Dolphin Project, created by Master's Candidate Elizabeth Jensen of Miami University, is to engage the community through participatory research. Actively learning through inquiry driven research are the pillars for this program and anyone can participate.
The main research site, Roberts Point Park, is unique, because not only are dolphins consistently spotted in the channel year-round, but the channel is relatively narrow so dolphins are easily spotted. An observation tower in the park provides a bird’s eye view of the channel and protection from the elements. Additionally, the park provides many amenities, including public restrooms a short walk away. Another benefit of doing research in Roberts Point Park, is that there is always a lot of people enjoying the park. These factors make a fantastic blend of data collection opportunities and make for a fun and active forum to educate and inspire people to learn more about the dolphins. Assisting in data collection and learning about the significance of the research is a transformative experience. Using a community based, citizen science model, the Port Aransas Dolphin Project wants to get the local community involved with the research to develop a deeper appreciation of the dolphins in the channel and to promote conservation of the marine environment.
The PAC is frequently used by bottlenose dolphins on a year-round basis (Shane, 1980). Very few studies have been conducted since then and currently very little is known about the status of bottlenose dolphins in South Texas. The purpose of the Port Aransas Dolphin Project, created by Master's Candidate Elizabeth Jensen of Miami University, is to engage the community through participatory research. Actively learning through inquiry driven research are the pillars for this program and anyone can participate.
The main research site, Roberts Point Park, is unique, because not only are dolphins consistently spotted in the channel year-round, but the channel is relatively narrow so dolphins are easily spotted. An observation tower in the park provides a bird’s eye view of the channel and protection from the elements. Additionally, the park provides many amenities, including public restrooms a short walk away. Another benefit of doing research in Roberts Point Park, is that there is always a lot of people enjoying the park. These factors make a fantastic blend of data collection opportunities and make for a fun and active forum to educate and inspire people to learn more about the dolphins. Assisting in data collection and learning about the significance of the research is a transformative experience. Using a community based, citizen science model, the Port Aransas Dolphin Project wants to get the local community involved with the research to develop a deeper appreciation of the dolphins in the channel and to promote conservation of the marine environment.
Elizabeth Jensen - Founder of Port Aransas Dolphin Project and Master's Candidate - Miami University
References:
Fertl, D. (1994). Occurance Patterns and Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Galveston Ship Channel, Texas. Texas Journal of Science, 46(4), 299-318.
Gunter, G. (1942). Contributions to the Natural History of the Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montague) on the Texas Coast with Particular Reference to Food Habits. Journal of Mammalogy, 23 (3), 267-276.
Leatherwood, S., & Reeves, R. R. (1983). Texas A&M University Galveston Campus. Retrieved from Abundance of Bottlenose Dolphins in Corpus Christi Bay and Coastal Southern Texas: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/21288
Liu, J., & Hills, P. (1997). Environmental planning, biodiversity and the development process: The case of Hong Kong's Chinese white dolphins. Journal of Environmental Management, 351-367.
Lusseau, D. (2003). Effects of Tour Boats on the Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins:Using Markov Chains to Model Anthropogenic Impacts. Conservation Biology, 17: 1785-1793.
Maze, K. S., & Wursig, B. (1999). Bottlenose Dolphins of San Luis Pass, Texas: Occurance Patterns, Site Fidelity, and Habitat Use. Aquatic Mammals, 25, 91-104.
Ng, S. L., & Leung, S. (2003). Behavioral response of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) to vessel traffic. Marine Environmental Research, 555-567.
Port of Corpus Christi. (2017). Port of Corpus Christi. Retrieved from 2017 State of the Port: http://portofcc.com/community/education/presentations/
Ribaric, D., & Robinson, K. P. (2006). The Habitat use and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Slovenian Sea and Bay of Trieste: a first estimation. 20th Conference of the Eutopean Cetacean Society, (pp. 3-6). Gdynia, Poland.
Rice, S., Kiffney, P., Greene, C., & Pess, G. R. (2008). The ecological importance of tributaries and confluences. River confluences, tributaries ane the fluvial network, 209-242.
Shane, S. (1980). Occurance, Movements and DIstribution of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in southern Texas. Fishery Bulletin.
Fertl, D. (1994). Occurance Patterns and Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Galveston Ship Channel, Texas. Texas Journal of Science, 46(4), 299-318.
Gunter, G. (1942). Contributions to the Natural History of the Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus (Montague) on the Texas Coast with Particular Reference to Food Habits. Journal of Mammalogy, 23 (3), 267-276.
Leatherwood, S., & Reeves, R. R. (1983). Texas A&M University Galveston Campus. Retrieved from Abundance of Bottlenose Dolphins in Corpus Christi Bay and Coastal Southern Texas: http://hdl.handle.net/1969.3/21288
Liu, J., & Hills, P. (1997). Environmental planning, biodiversity and the development process: The case of Hong Kong's Chinese white dolphins. Journal of Environmental Management, 351-367.
Lusseau, D. (2003). Effects of Tour Boats on the Behavior of Bottlenose Dolphins:Using Markov Chains to Model Anthropogenic Impacts. Conservation Biology, 17: 1785-1793.
Maze, K. S., & Wursig, B. (1999). Bottlenose Dolphins of San Luis Pass, Texas: Occurance Patterns, Site Fidelity, and Habitat Use. Aquatic Mammals, 25, 91-104.
Ng, S. L., & Leung, S. (2003). Behavioral response of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) to vessel traffic. Marine Environmental Research, 555-567.
Port of Corpus Christi. (2017). Port of Corpus Christi. Retrieved from 2017 State of the Port: http://portofcc.com/community/education/presentations/
Ribaric, D., & Robinson, K. P. (2006). The Habitat use and site fidelity of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Slovenian Sea and Bay of Trieste: a first estimation. 20th Conference of the Eutopean Cetacean Society, (pp. 3-6). Gdynia, Poland.
Rice, S., Kiffney, P., Greene, C., & Pess, G. R. (2008). The ecological importance of tributaries and confluences. River confluences, tributaries ane the fluvial network, 209-242.
Shane, S. (1980). Occurance, Movements and DIstribution of Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in southern Texas. Fishery Bulletin.
