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16-06-2025

The date of the 18th Dolphin Day is set!

18th Dolphin Day

Join us on August 2nd, 2025, for the 18th Dolphin Day – an event that brings together people, nature, and the sea!

Morigenos – the Slovenian Marine Mammal Society is inviting you for the eighteenth time to the traditional Dolphin Day. This year too, we’ll gather in Piran with a diverse program highlighting the importance of dolphin conservation and their marine environment.

What is the purpose of the event?
To present dolphin research and conservation in the Slovenian sea and to bring the lives of these remarkable animals closer to the public.

Admission is free!

Come, take part, and support efforts to preserve dolphins in our sea. We look forward to seeing you!

The sponsor of the event is the Port of Koper. The patron of the event is the Municipality of Piran.

12-06-2025

Summer is here – let’s not forget we’re not alone at sea

Summer is here!

let’s not forget we’re not alone at sea

With the start of the summer season, the number of vessels and visitors along the coast increases, significantly impacting the marine ecosystem and the wildlife that shares this space with us. Morigenos and the Maritime Administration of the Republic of Slovenia are therefore highlighting the importance of respectful and responsible conduct at sea.

The marine area off the Slovenian coast represents a vital habitat for numerous marine species. Among them is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), which use this area for feeding, reproduction, and resting. During the summer months, newborn calves are often present, making the animals especially vulnerable. From late spring to autumn, loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta) are also regularly observed in this area – mostly younger individuals that rely on this environment as an important feeding and developmental habitat.

During this period, marine ecosystems face increased pressures due to heightened maritime traffic, greater volumes of plastic waste, and rising underwater noise levels. Vessels generate noise that interferes with animals’ orientation and communication – in dolphins, this can lead to separation between mother and calf when vocal contact is disrupted. Additionally, the high density of fast-moving vessels raises the risk of collisions, which can be fatal for dolphins and turtles alike.

The sea is not only a place of recreation for humans, but also a complex and sensitive habitat for many species. By caring for it properly, we ensure that we too can continue to enjoy a clean and healthy sea.

Dr. Tilen Genov,

Morigenos

How can you contribute to the safety of marine animals?

Reduce your speed
● Lower speeds reduce the risk of striking dolphins or turtles – especially vulnerable calves near the surface.
● Slower navigation also decreases underwater noise pollution.

If you spot dolphins
● Do not approach them directly – navigate slowly and parallel to their direction.
● If possible, keep your engine in neutral or switch it off.
● Do not chase dolphins – if they wish to approach, they will.
● Avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
● Maintain a distance of at least 100 metres.
● Do not approach groups with calves.
● Do not feed or attempt to swim with dolphins.
● Limit your presence to 15 minutes.
● Report sightings of live, stranded, or deceased dolphins to Morigenos: +386 (0)31 77 10 77.

Do not litter
● Plastic waste endangers marine life – turtles, birds, and dolphins may ingest it or become entangled, leading to painful death.
● Plastic degrades into microplastics, which enter the food chain – including ours.

Respect navigational and environmental rules
● Avoid entering protected zones where navigation is prohibited.
● Anchor only in permitted areas – use designated buoys or moorings to prevent seabed damage.

Treat animals with care
● Animals also feel fear and pain.
● Handle snails, crabs, jellyfish, and other coastal animals gently and respectfully.
● If you see injured or stranded turtles, call 112 immediately.

Respecting navigation rules and appropriate behaviour at sea is not only a matter of environmental protection but also of human safety. High-speed boating near the shore or in protected areas endangers both marine species and swimmers. Responsible conduct reflects our respect for the shared space we inhabit – with other people and with sensitive, often threatened species.

Jadran Klinec

Director of the Slovenian Maritime Administration

By acting responsibly, we help protect safe habitats for marine animals and maintain a pleasant environment for ourselves. This ensures that we can continue to enjoy the sea – safely, respectfully, and in harmony with nature.

23-05-2025

Participation at the 36th Annual European Cetacean Society Conference

Our team recently returned from the 36th Annual European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference, held in Ponta Delgada, Azores – an important meeting for marine mammal scientists and conservationists across Europe.

This year’s conference held particular significance for our organization, as it marked the first ECS annual meeting chaired by Tilen Genov, following his election as Chair of the Society in 2024.

As part of our participation, team members Krista Lokar and Shakira Quiñones presented two scientific posters addressing human-related threats to our bottlenose dolphin population, as part of our Work Package 2 of our ongoing SeaInsights project.

In addition to the poster presentations, our team took part in a specialized genetics workshop, gaining insight into advanced methodologies for population genetics, environmental DNA and their conservation applications. We also took advantage of this occasion to meet with our SeaInsights collaborators from the University of Padova to exchange updates and ideas about our project.The conference offered a valuable opportunity to share our findings, exchange insights, and learn from leading experts in marine mammal research and eDNA methodologies. At the same time, our participation enhanced the visibility of the SeaInsights project, fostering broader recognition and potential collaborations within the scientific community.

We are grateful for the opportunity to participate and share our findings with the wider marine science community. Events such as the ECS Conference are essential for fostering collaboration, exchanging knowledge, and advancing the conservation of cetaceans and their habitats.

The SeaInsights project is financed by the European Union as part of the Program VI-A Italy-Slovenia. Project website: https://www.ita-slo.eu/en/seainsights

14-05-2025

Successful Opening of the 36th Annual Conference of the European Cetacean Society in the Azores

The Morigenos team is currently attending the European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference, taking place this week in the Azores, Portugal.

Dr. Tilen Genov of Morigenos, who serves as President of the European Cetacean Society, officially opened the 36th Annual ECS Conference today in Ponta Delgada. This is the first ECS conference held under his leadership, following his election as President last year.

Established in 1987, the European Cetacean Society aims to promote scientific research and the conservation of marine mammals, while also raising awareness and sharing knowledge among its members and the wider public. The Society hosts its annual conference in a different European country each year. This year’s event is being held in the Azores, a region celebrated for its rich marine biodiversity.

The conference began with two days of workshops, and today marks the start of the main programme, which will run until 16 May. More than 700 participants from over 51 countries are presenting the latest research on the biology, ecology, behaviour, and conservation of whales and dolphins. Special focus is being placed on innovative methodologies such as telemetry, genetics, and science communication.

In his opening address, Tilen Genov, a long-time researcher and President of Morigenos, thanked the organisers and highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge exchange for the effective conservation of marine mammals.

Further information about the conference and programme is available on the official ECS website:
https://www.europeancetaceansociety.eu

18-04-2025

Job opening: Scientist

Job Description

• Work on an 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
• The position is based in Piran

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 until 28 February 2027, with a possibility of extension. The contract includes a three-month probation period. The expected start date is as soon as possible, no later than 15 June 2025. The work will be carried out entirely on-site in Piran, Slovenia.

Please send your CV and cover letter to morigenos@morigenos.org by 30 April 2025 at the latest. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and the position will be filled as soon as a suitable candidate is found, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

11-04-2025

Genetic sampling of dolphins using new technologies

These days, Morigenos is hosting colleagues from the University of Padua. As part of the project SeaInsights, we are conducting genetic sampling of dolphins from exhaled air in the field, using unmanned aerial systems (UAVs). This type of sampling, using new technologies, represents one of the relatively recent advanced approaches to studying the biology, ecology, and health of these animals in a non-invasive manner. Through this international collaboration, we are successfully combining the extensive knowledge and long-standing experience of both teams.

On our first day in the field, we had a very efficient sample collection with seven samples collected in just a few hours. The aim of these activities is to improve both our understanding and the long-term conservation of marine mammals and their entire ecosystem.

The SeaInsights project is financed by the European Union as part of the Program VI-A Italy-Slovenia.

09-04-2025

Distinguished visit to the Dolphin Centre

Distinguished Visit to the Dolphin Centre

Today, we had the honour of hosting distinguished members of the 4th Class of Natural Sciences and the Environmental Protection Council of the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts (SASA) at the Dolphin Centre.

Together with our guests, we discussed the work of Morigenos, dolphin research in the Slovenian sea, and the importance of marine conservation. The presentation was led by Dr Tilen Genov from Morigenos who is also a member of the SASA Environmental Protection Council. He provided an overview of the scientific background of our work as well as the concrete field activities we carry out.

The meeting unfolded in a warm and inquisitive atmosphere – the guests came with many thoughtful questions and showed great interest in our work.

We are grateful to have hosted such an outstanding group of experts, who contribute significantly to the understanding and protection of the natural environment through their knowledge and efforts. At the same time, we are proud that our work can serve as an example of good practice in science, research, and environmental awareness.

A sincere thank you to all our visitors for their time, interest, and open dialogue. Visits like these are always inspiring for us!

03-04-2025

New study: Unusual occurrences of marine mammals outside their natural habitat

Out of habitat marine mammals – Identification, causes, and management recommendations

A new scientific publication titled Out of habitat marine mammals: Identification, causes and management recommendations, published in the renowned journal Marine Policy, examines the increasingly frequent cases of marine mammals appearing outside their usual habitats. The study involved the participation of Morigenos, which has long been actively engaged in international projects dedicated to the research and conservation of marine mammals. The research was led by colleagues from OceanCare, a long-standing partner organisation with which Morigenos maintains close and productive collaboration.

These so-called out-of-habitat (OOH) cases refer to individual animals appearing far from their natural range or in environments that are no longer suitable for them – often as a result of food scarcity, habitat degradation, pollution, or frequent human interaction. The study emphasises that such events are becoming increasingly common, with primary causes including climate change, the loss of Arctic sea ice, changes in prey availability, underwater noise, disease, and the escape or release of animals from captivity.

The publication presents a wide range of documented cases, including belugas in the Thames and Seine rivers and walruses resting along European coastlines. Similar occurrences have also been recorded in Slovenia – such as a humpback whale observed in Slovenia in 2009, two striped dolphins sighted in the Port of Koper in 2012, and the recent appearances of the common dolphin Ciao.

The authors stress that each situation requires careful, case-specific evaluation. In some instances, monitoring and public communication may suffice; in others, intervention such as relocation is needed. In rare and extreme cases, euthanasia may be considered. All decisions must be based on a thorough assessment of the animal’s welfare, its health condition, and the broader environmental context.

The study also underscores the importance of clear and responsible communication with the public. High levels of human interaction can cause stress, behavioural disturbance, or even danger to both animals and people. In one such case, a female walrus had to be euthanised after repeated failures by members of the public to respect safety guidance. The authors therefore call for stronger institutional coordination, well-defined response protocols, and an appropriate legal framework to enable timely, science-based, and welfare-oriented responses to such events – which are expected to become increasingly frequent in the face of ongoing environmental change.

Read the full study HERE

18-03-2025

Common dolphin “Ciao” – What do we know about her?

Common dolphin “Ciao”

– What do we know about her?

Do you remember the common dolphin that appeared in Izola and Koper at the end of last year?

Thanks to your observations and photographs, we were able to track her movements. This dolphin is an approximately three-year-old female common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), first documented by the Morigenos team in May 2022 in the Port of Koper, where she was still accompanied by her mother. After our initial sighting in Koper, we observed them multiple times near Trieste, but in March 2023, they disappeared without a trace. Later, thanks to your reports and photos, we discovered that the young dolphin had also been seen around the Croatian islands of Rab and Krk. In November 2024, she returned to the Gulf of Trieste. Since she has now become a familiar individual, we have named her Ciao. We chose this name based on her character and behavior: as we recently reported, the dolphin had been spending time in marinas, drawing attention with her unusual behavior. She frequently approached various boats and even lifted her tail out of the water. Although Ciao often swims close to the shore and near people, it is essential to ensure that she can live undisturbed in her natural environment. If she reappears, please avoid any interaction – do not attempt to touch, feed, or swim with her.

Ciao with her mother in 2022

Interesting facts about the common dolphin:
Common dolphins were once abundant in the Adriatic Sea but are now extremely rare, mainly due to deliberate eradication in the past century. However, they remain one of the most widespread dolphin species worldwide, as their name suggests. They are highly social animals, typically living in relatively large groups that can sometimes consist of several hundred individuals. These dolphins are capable of traveling vast distances. For example, a female common dolphin we documented in the Gulf of Trieste in 2010 and 2011 had traveled from Greece, covering at least 1,000 km. Compared to bottlenose dolphins, which are the only resident dolphin species in the Gulf of Trieste, common dolphins can be recognized by their slightly smaller body size, longer and narrower beak, and the distinctive yellowish patch on their sides.

Every dolphin sighting contributes to a better understanding of their lives and, consequently, to their conservation. If you spot them, please contact us immediately at +386 31 771 077 and, if possible, send us photos or videos at pr@morigenos.org. Thank you!

27-02-2025

Morigenos hosts a project meeting of SAMESEA partners in Piran

Today, Morigenos is hosting a meeting in Piran with the partners of the SAMESEA project: SustainAble Management of marinE Sentinel spEcies and human Activities interaction. Co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme, the project brings together 11 partners from the Adriatic-Ionian region with the aim of addressing key challenges in marine biodiversity conservation and ecosystem monitoring in a coordinated manner.

During the meeting, project partners will discuss the implementation of SAMESEA, present the progress achieved so far, and outline the next steps. The discussions will focus on data collection and analysis, the development of monitoring protocols, and management strategies for the effective conservation of marine species and habitats.

Morigenos plays a key role in the project by collecting essential data, conducting pilot tests, and developing methodologies for monitoring marine indicator species. Furthermore, the organisation is responsible for capacity building and stakeholder engagement, as well as leading the project’s communication activities to raise awareness among the public and scientific community about the importance of sustainable marine management.

The SAMESEA project represents a significant step towards a more harmonised and effective conservation of marine ecosystems in the Adriatic-Ionian region, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in preserving marine biodiversity.

Project website: https://samesea.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu/

25-02-2025

Successful Roundtable about Monitoring Strategies for Marine Sentinel Species

In January, we hosted a roundtable meeting in Piran to discuss the monitoring of marine sentinel species (dolphins, sea turtles, and monk seals) in Slovenia. The event brought together local institutions involved in activities at sea;

we presented the monitoring guidelines developed by Morigenos as part of the @Interreg IPA ADRION SAMESEA project.
we addressed strandings, injuries, and mortality events; we discussed risks for sentinel species due to interactions with human activities, and we explored ways to improve current monitoring practices.
participants shared valuable insights, which will help us shape the final guidelines for the SAMESEA project.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to these important discussions. Your knowledge and input are helping advance the conservation of marine species across the Adriatic-Ionian region. Participants in the round table discussion: Morigenos, Aquarium Piran, Debeli Rtič Landscape Park, Strunjan Landscape Park, Fisheries Research Institute of Slovenia, Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation nad the Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia.

SAMESEA project is co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg IPA ADRION programme.

Project website: https://samesea.interreg-ipa-adrion.eu

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