05-02-2025
16-01-2025
President of Morigenos Nominated for Delo’s Person of the Year 2024
President of Morigenos Nominated for Delo’s Person of the Year 2024
We were very proud to follow the announcement of Delo newspaper’s Person of the Year 2024, held on 9 January 2025 in Ljubljana. One of the nominees for this prestigious recognition was our president, Dr. Tilen Genov, which is an exceptional testament to his dedication and long-standing contributions to the research and conservation of marine mammals.
We first shared the news of this nomination on our social media platforms, celebrating this remarkable achievement with our community. Dr. Genov, who also serves as the Chair of the European Cetacean Society, has significantly advanced our understanding of dolphins in Slovenia and the Gulf of Trieste. Through his work with Morigenos, he has not only contributed to their protection but also raised broader awareness of the importance of marine ecosystems.
This nomination is not just a recognition of Dr. Genov’s work; it is also a reflection of the collective efforts of all who support our mission and collaborate toward a brighter future for marine mammals and the marine environment. We are deeply grateful for your unwavering support and proud that our work is being acknowledged by a wider audience. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the nominees, and especially to the award recipient, Prof. Dr. Samo Zver.
Thank you to everyone who supported our candidate during this special occasion and joined us in celebrating this achievement!
Few moments from the Award Ceremony:
03-12-2024
Common dolphin spotted in Izola and Koper
Common dolphin spotted in Izola and Koper
Over the past few days, we have received several calls reporting sightings of a single dolphin in Izola and Koper, reported to be exhibiting unusual behaviours. From the photographs and video, we were able to determine that the animal is a common dolphin (Delphinus delphis). We were also able to individually identify the dolphin and determine that this is the same individual that the Morigenos team observed in Koper back in 2022. The same individual was observed two weeks ago in the Miramare protected area and in Grignano, reported to us by our friends from Shoreline. The same animal has also been repeatedly observed around the islands of Rab and Krk during the past year, which we could determine based on photographs sent to us by our various followers. Thanks to additional reports we received today, our team was able to locate the dolphin to further assess its condition. Based on video footage received and our own observations in the field, The dolphin is not injured or debilitated. However, its somewhat unusual behavior is likely due to being solitary, as this is a species that normally lives in large groups.
Common dolphins in this area are a relatively rare occurrence. Previously abundant in the Adriatic, the common dolphin has almost disappeared due to targeted killing campaigns that lasted until the 1960s.
What to do?
Please, DO NOT INTERACT with the dolphin. Interacting with solitary dolphins only worsens their behavior and puts them at more risk. It can also put you at risk. Although dolphins generally do not attack humans, this is a wild animal already exhibiting atypical behaviors and could potentially hurt a person, or transmit infectious diseases. Do not feed the animal and do not enter the water.
If you see this dolphin, please CONTACT US by phone on +386 31 77 10 77. We are monitoring its movement and behavior. Photos or videos of the dolphin are especially useful – please send them to pr@morigenos.org.
To learn more about the common dolphin in the northern Adriatic, see our open-access publication:
Genov T., Kotnjek P., Centrih T. 2021. Occurrence of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in the Gulf of Trieste and the northern Adriatic Sea. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 31 (Special Issue: Conservation and Research Status of Mediterranean Delphinus delphis): 69–75. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/aqc.3407
You can also learn more about the decline of the common dolphin in the Adriatic in our latest collaboration with our friends from Dolphin Biology and Conservation: Bearzi G, Bonizzoni S, Genov T, Notarbartolo di Sciara G. 2024. Whales and dolphins of the Adriatic Sea: present knowledge, threats and conservation. Acta Adriatica 65:75-121. https://acta.izor.hr/acta/pdf/65_1_pdf/65_1_1.pdf
11-10-2024
Marine eDNA sampling begins for the Interreg SeaInsights project!
Marine eDNA sampling begins for the Interreg SeaInsights project!
Our boat has become a small lab as we began our marine environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling for our Interreg project, SeaInsights. The goal of this project is to improve biodiversity monitoring using the latest technology in marine eDNA collection and analysis.
Our partners at DivjaLabs have creatively adapted the existing technology to fit our project goals and our boat. Together with our Italian partners at Dolphin Biology and Conservation and Shoreline, we are sampling the North Adriatic Sea, making this a coordinated international effort. We’ll keep you posted about our progress!
Projekt SeaInsights sofinancira Evropska unija v okviru Programa Interreg VI-A Italija-Slovenija / Il progetto SeaInsights è co-finanziato dall’Unione Europea nell’ambito del Programma Interreg VI-A Italia-Slovenia / The SeaInsights project is financed by the European Union as part of the Program VI-A Italy-Slovenia.
30-09-2024
Morigenos helps study the enigmatic whales of Pitcairn
MORIGENOS HELPS STUDY THE ENIGMATIC WHALES OF PITCAIRN
A science expedition involving Morigenos has just finished in the South Pacific. Morigenos is proud to be a partner in the project “Humpback Whales of the Pitcairn islands”, led by King’s College London and supported by the Darwin Plus grant. A team composed of Professor Terry Dawson from King’s College London, PhD student Katherine McCoy and Dr Tilen Genov from Morigenos travelled to Pitcairn island in 2023 and 2024 to study the humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) in one of the most remote places on Earth.
The Pitcairn humpback whales are quite enigmatic. According to local knowledge, whales only started showing up around Pitcairn in 1990s, and recent work by King’s College London showed that they use these waters as a breeding ground. However, it remains unclear how many whales are using this area, and which population these whales belong to. These are some of the questions that the research team is trying to find out, using a combination of photo-identification, bioacoustics and tissue sampling.
Photo-identification allows us to identify individual whales based on natural markings on their dorsal fins and tail flukes. This can help us determine how many whales are using the Pitcairn waters, how often they return and where else they may roam. By comparing photographs collected around Pitcairn with identification catalogues from other places, such as French Polynesia or Antarctica, we can determine where these whales travel to. By recording and analysing whale song in the area, we can compare these song patterns to those from other whale populations. Finally, by collecting skin samples from whales, we can study their relatedness and population structure using genetics, which can help us determine the population identity of these animals. In addition, the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) can help researchers to gain deeper insights into the behaviour and body condition of these animals. This multidisciplinary approach will hopefully shed some light onto the biology, ecology and conservation status of these enigmatic whales.
Despite very challenging weather conditions during both expeditions, the team recorded several whale sightings, obtained photographs for individual identification, recorded whale vocalisations, obtained aerial footage and even obtained samples for genetic analyses. These data will help provide further insights into the lives and conservation of these mysterious giants.
26-08-2024
Dead dolphin found off Strunjan was shot
An autopsy on a dead dolphin found by Morigenos researchers in late June off Strunjan revealed that the dolphin died as a result of a gunshot wound.
In late June, the Morigenos research team found a dead dolphin off Strunjan. It was a male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), a species regularly present in the northern Adriatic Sea and in the Gulf of Trieste. Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society has been studying and monitoring the dolphin population in the Gulf of Trieste and surrounding waters for the past 22 years.
Morigenos researchers carried out the first external inspection of the animal in the field. The carcass was already quite decomposed, so it was not possible to determine whether it was one of the dolphins already photo-identified by Morigenos in the northern Adriatic.
As is already established practice, a thorough post-mortem examination was carried out the following day at the National Veterinary Institute of the Veterinary Faculty in Ljubljana, in collaboration between Morigenos and the National Veterinary Institute. At the time of the autopsy, various samples were taken for further diagnostic tests. After all the analyses were carried out, the autopsy results showed that the dolphin had been shot.
Despite the first external examination, which is always carried out in the field, it is the autopsy (typically referred to as necropsy in case of animals) that tells us the cause of death, when this is even possible. Although skin wounds were already visible on first examination of the body, it is difficult to initially assess whether the injuries are pre- or post-mortem in such decomposed animals, so we never jump to conclusions before the post-mortem examination has been completed.
The animal was shot in the left lateral chest area. After entering the body, the projectile penetrated the left chest wall, punctured both lung wings and exited the body through the right chest wall. Of the vital organs, the lungs were damaged by the projectile and it is therefore most likely that the animal died as a result of respiratory distress. It is not yet known what firearm was used to shoot the animal, but several fragments of the projectile were found at the site of the gunshot wounds and have been stored for ballistic examination.
This is the first recorded case of a shot dolphin being found in Slovenia in modern times. Our colleagues in Croatia have had several such cases, but this is the first of its kind for us. Dolphins are a strictly protected species in Slovenia and elsewhere in Europe, so this case is a criminal offence. The case has also been reported to the Police.
The decomposition of the carcass suggests that the animal had been dead for at least several days at the time of its discovery, so it remains unknown where the animal was actually shot. Given that the Gulf of Trieste is shared by Slovenia, Italy and Croatia, the crime could have been committed outside Slovenia.
Dolphins and other large marine predators are an important part of marine ecosystems, helping to maintain the balance of marine food webs. Their conservation therefore has wider implications for the long-term conservation of healthy seas, which is also important for people.
20-08-2024
Job opening – Scientist
Job Description
Work on the Interreg project
Scientific research in the fields of biology, ecology, and marine mammal conservation
Fieldwork and/or laboratory work, data analysis, maintenance of research equipment, record-keeping, and database management
Writing scientific articles and professional contributions, preparing materials, participating in work meetings, contributing to project preparation and applications
Participating in educational activities as needed
Performing other related tasks as directed by superiors
Requirements:
Master’s or PhD in biology, biochemistry, environmental protection, or related sciences
Good knowledge of English (working language is English)
Good knowledge of basic computer programs (MS Word, Excel, internet, etc.)
Ability to work in a team
Ability to work independently
Precision, responsibility, reliability
Preferred Qualifications (Not Mandatory):
Boat leader’s license
Diving certificate
Knowledge of advanced software tools for data processing (e.g., R, Python)
Knowledge of geographic information systems (e.g., QGIS)
Experience with unmanned aerial vehicles (“drones”)
Previous experience in one or more of the following fields: marine biology, animal ecology, molecular biology, bioacoustics
Knowledge of Italian
The employment contract will be for a full-time position (40 hours per week, 100%) for a fixed term of 28 months, with a three-month probationary period, starting approximately on 1.10.2024. The workplace is in Piran, Slovenia.
Please send your CV and cover letter to morigenos@morigenos.org by August 31, 2024.
14-08-2024
University of Plymouth visits Morigenos in Piran
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH VISITS MORIGENOS IN PIRAN
Between 5th and 9th August, Morigenos hosted a field course for a group of students and lecturers from the University of Plymouth, UK, to complement their university education. The students learned about various research methods, including land-based and boat-based surveys, photo-identification, behavioural sampling, and bioacoustics.
While doing that, they had multiple opportunities to observe dolphins in their natural habitat and collect data on their behaviour, movements and vocalisations. Guided by our science team, the program included lectures, fieldwork and data collection, and solving concrete problems in marine mammal science and conservation.
We are delighted to have collaborated with the University of Plymouth and provided the students with an in-depth insight into our research activities and thus helped train a new generation of marine and conservation biologists.
16-07-2024
17th Dolphin Day in Piran
17th Dolphin Day in Piran
For the 17th time, Morigenos – the Slovenian Marine Mammal Society – organizes Dolphin Day in Piran. This year, you can join us to learn about the fascinating world of dolphins, try out different research methods, and take part in fun yet educational activities.
The aim of the Dolphin Day event is to present the research and conservation efforts focused on dolphins in the Slovenian sea and to introduce the general public to dolphins and their lives.
We can’t wait to share this day with you!
The sponsor of the event is Luka Koper. The patron of the event is the Municipality of Piran.
13-07-2024
It’s baby boom season!
It’s baby boom season!
We’re happy to announce that we have encountered several mothers with newborn calves in the last month!
Newborn calves are not only recognized by their small size but also by the vertical lines called “fetal lines,” which are marks left by the way the baby dolphin was folded inside the mother’s womb (fetal folds). These lines disappear after six months.
If you encounter a group of dolphins with a calf, remember to give these moms some peace and quiet to nurse their babies. Calves will nurse for 2 to 3 years and are very vulnerable if separated from their mothers.
27-05-2024
The dolphin centre among TOP 20 EU projects
THE DOLPHIN CENTRE AMONG TOP 20 EU PROJECTS
Nearly a year has passed since the opening of our Dolphin Centre, which has become an important hub for education, research, and public awareness about marine mammals and their environment. The centre has attracted numerous visitors, hosted lectures, workshops, and meetings, and has become the home of the Morigenos Academy. We are proud to announce that the Dolphin Centre project has been ranked among the TOP 20 EU projects in 2024 in Slovenia.
The Centre’s mission is to foster a deeper understanding of dolphins and their marine habitats among the public while underscoring the pivotal role of science in marine conservation. Our exhibition offers an immersive glimpse into the lives of dolphins and showcases the groundbreaking research conducted by Morigenos, enriched by interactive elements and a lifelike dolphin model. The Centre serves as a bridge between science and the wider public, providing access to scientific information in an understandable, informative, and enjoyable manner.
The Dolphin Centre project has significantly contributed to local and regional development by actively engaging with the community, educational institutions, scientific bodies, and individuals. Over 60 educational programs have been conducted, involving more than 5000 participants from vulnerable groups. This interaction has fostered the creation of innovative networks and partnerships for sustainable projects contributing to nature conservation.
In its first year of operation, the centre has become a key source of information about marine mammals and has increased awareness of the importance of protecting the marine environment. The project has positively impacted more than 11,000 individuals in the region. We eagerly anticipate the future challenges and opportunities for further work in the field of marine environmental protection, education, and public awareness.
For those who have not yet visited the Dolphin Centre or would like to take another peek into the world beneath the sea surface, we extend a warm invitation to join us for an open day on June 18, 2024, from 10 am to 4 pm in Piran.
Ali ste videli delfine?