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17-10-2023

Beyond Borders: Unravelling the Genetic Connectivity of Mediterranean Dolphins

Beyond Borders: Unravelling the Genetic Connectivity of Mediterranean Dolphins

 
 
Morigenos researchers, in collaboration with colleagues from various parts of the Mediterranean and elsewhere in Europe, conducted an extensive study on the population structure and genetic connectivity of bottlenose dolphins in the north-east Mediterranean Sea. This species is known to have high site fidelity, meaning they tend to stay in specific areas. The study focused particularly on the Adriatic Sea and neighbouring regions, drawing samples from Slovenia, Italy, Croatia, and Greece. The study was published in the journal Conservation Genetics.

 

Utilizing genetic analyses, the researchers gained insights into the population structure and genetic connectivity of these dolphins. Notably, the largest sample size in the study was provided from the Gulf of Trieste by Morigenos, providing critical data for understanding the population dynamics of these marine mammals. The study revealed high site fidelity of dolphins to specific regions, like the Gulf of Ambracia in Greece, Croatian island archipelagos, and the Gulf of Trieste. However, they also found that these populations are not completely isolated from each other; there is some movement and gene flow between them, suggesting a stable metapopulation. The sub-population from the Gulf of Ambracia stood out due to its distinctiveness, small size, isolation, and vulnerability to human-induced pressures. Interestingly however, the study also showed a genetic connectedness between dolphins from the Gulf of Ambracia and those from the Gulf of Trieste, which was unexpected.

 

This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in marine research and conservation. Moreover, the researchers were able to link genetic data with information from various long-term studies, such as the one carried out in the Gulf of Trieste by Morigenos.

 

Understanding genetic connectivity and population dynamics is crucial for crafting effective conservation strategies that transcend national boundaries. Despite challenges in precisely delineating the boundaries of individual sub-populations due to sampling limitations and method resolution, the study emphasizes the significance of recognizing and preserving the unique characteristics of local dolphin communities with strong site fidelity across the diverse Mediterranean region.

 

The paper is available here.
08-09-2023

Artificial Intelligence to Identify Cetaceans

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO IDENTIFY CETACEANS

Morigenos participated in the development of new artificial intelligence tool for improved cetacean research. We contributed data to the development of a new deep learning model for cetacean identification in a global international study published in the renowned scientific journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution.
The ability to identify individuals plays a key role in cetacean research. Knowing who is who among dolphins or whales allows us to, among other things, track their migrations, determine their social structure and, most importantly, know how many of them there are. Many cetacean species carry various natural markings on their bodies that can be used to distinguish them from each other – like a fingerprint or a face in humans. Many species of dolphin, including bottlenose dolphins in the northern Adriatic, can be identified by natural markings on their dorsal fins. Some other species, such as the humpback whale, can be identified by the natural patterns on the underside of the tail fluke. This method is called photo-identification, because researchers take photographs of the animals and use the natural markings to identify them.

Dorsal fins of dolphins from the Gulf of Trieste, by which Morigenos researchers identify individuals. In 20 years of research, we have photo-identified more than 400 individuals. Around 150 of them are permanent residents in the area.

A Morigenos researcher photographing dolphins for individual identification.

But carefully examining thousands and thousands of photographs is a painstaking and time-consuming task. Scientists need to make sure they have as large a set of relevant photographs as possible. At the same time, the identification of individuals must also be precise and accurate if the data are to be reliable and useful. In recent years, there have been major advances in the use of artificial intelligence to identify human faces and different animals individually, but new models usually need to be developed for each species. In this new study, 56 researchers from 6 continents joined forces to develop a new model for multi-species identification of cetaceans. The study involved 25 cetacean species from around the world, including bottlenose dolphins of the Gulf of Trieste, which Morigenos has been studying for more than 20 years.
»From a conservation standpoint it is really useful to be able to recognize the same individuals over time because you can see what areas the individuals use« said Philip Patton, a PhD student at the University of Hawaii and lead author of the study. »You can also use this information to estimate population size and population trends.«
The new model is based on human face recognition technology. It has proven to be very reliable, not just for one species, but for several different species of cetaceans.
»This new approach to cetacean identification will have an impact on the efficiency of photo-identification data processing on a global scale,« said Dr Tilen Genov of Morigenos, co-author of the study. »It will also help our work here in the northern Adriatic, as it will make our work more efficient and faster by automating the processing of the data.«

Humpback whales are identified mainly by natural patterns on their tail flukes.

This model will also be applicable to other species, both marine and terrestrial. The model is freely available as code on GitHub and as a graphical user interface on Happywhale.com.
Morigenos has been studying dolphins in the northern Adriatic since 2002, focusing on research on population size and distribution, behaviour, social and genetic structure, and the impact of human activities on dolphins, and has also been involved in the study of cetaceans elsewhere in the world.
The research article is freely available at: https://doi.org/10.1111/2041-210X.14167
01-08-2023

Programme for the 16th Dolphin Day

PROGRAMME FOR THE 16th DOLPHIN DAY

Morigenos – the Slovenian Marine Mammal Society organises the traditional Dolphin Day event in Piran for the 16th time.
 
This year you can join us to learn about the interesting world of dolphins, try out different research methods and take part in fun but educational activities.
 
The aim of the Dolphin Day event is to present research and conservation of dolphins in the Slovenian sea and to introduce the general public to dolphins and their life.
 
We look forward to seeing you there!

 
The event and the Dolphin Centre are sponsored by Luka Koper.
10-07-2023

Dolphin Day

16th DOLPHIN DAY IN PIRAN

Get ready for a good time at the 16th 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.
 
Stay tuned as the program will be revealed soon.
 
Don’t miss out on this fin-tastic event!
07-07-2023

University of Padua Students Engage in Intensive Field Course with Morigenos

University of Padua Students Engage in Intensive Field Course with Morigenos

Morigenos was delighted to host students from the University of Padua for a field course as part of their Master’s degree in Conservation Medicine of Aquatic Animals. From July 3rd to July 6th, the students joined an intensive program, exploring various research methods such as dolphin surveys from land and boat, photo-identification, bio-acoustics, and even had an opportunity to meet “our” dolphins in person.

Under the guidance of Morigenos team, the students gained hands-on experience, deepening their knowledge of dolphin ecology and conservation efforts. Through different lectures, data collection, and observation, the students enhanced their understanding of the importance of research work and the need to protect the natural habitats of dolphins. The course concluded on a thought-provoking note with a guided debate on whaling, offering the students an opportunity to explore different perspectives and deepen their comprehension of the complex conservation challenges faced by marine species.

 

In conclusion, we take great pride in our collaboration with the University of Padua, enabling us to offer this learning experience to the students. We look forward to continued partnerships that promote education, inspire future marine scientists, and contribute to the preservation of these remarkable marine species and their habitats.

06-05-2023

Dolphin Rescue

DOLPHIN RESCUE

 
Yesterday, Morigenos received a call about a dolphin entangled in a bottom-set net near Piran. The dolphin was trying to stay afloat, but the net was dragging it under the surface. The Morigenos team responded immediately and went to sea. Fortunately, our colleagues from Aquarium Piran were already at sea at the time, and they too spotted the animal in trouble and informed us. They quickly reacted in the right way and started to lift one end of the net, which made it easier for the animal to breathe on the surface, and they then managed to remove the net from the dolphin’s tail. The dolphin swam away and a few minutes later, with the help of the guidance of our colleagues from Aquarium Piran, the Morigenos team managed to track it down. We observed the dolphin for some time to make sure that it was fine and behaving normally, and we were able to identify it. This is one of the resident dolphins in the area, which we at Morigenos have known well for many years.
Fortunately, today’s event had a positive outcome, but it also showed the importance of good cooperation among the different players in understanding, solving and perhaps even preventing this type of event in the future: recreational boaters who informed us about the dolphin; the Piran Aquarium, which at the right time and with the right vessel was able to help the animal and also informed us immediately; the owner of the net, who without hesitation allowed his net to be lifted; Morigenos, which tracked and identified the animal and will monitor its condition in the coming days and weeks; and even Municipality of Piran, which facilitated faster access to the harbour for us by vehicle.
In such disentanglement events, it is extremely important to monitor the post-release survival of affected animals. Not all seemingly successful interventions are always successful in the long term. We will therefore be paying particular attention to this dolphin in the coming days and weeks, to get an insight into its long-term survival. As the animal does not appear to have suffered any serious injuries, we are very optimistic for the time being. However, we urge anyone at sea in the Gulf of Trieste to immediately report any sightings of dolphins, both free-swimming and those in distress, to Morigenos at +386 31 77 10 77.
You can watch a video of the dolphin rescue HERE.
02-05-2023

Discover the World of Dolphins

DISCOVER THE WORLD OF DOLPHINS

Become part of our story

We’re doing something brand new at Morigenos. In June, we are opening a Dolphin Centre in Piran, which will share our unique offer to the wider public. You can be part of this new story by joining our Discover the World of Dolphins on the Pomagajmo.io platform. With the Discover the world of Dolphins campaign, we aim to raise the missing funds to prepare and equip the centre as we envisioned it – interactive, educational and attractive for all ages and visitors.

 

How can you get involved?

You can find out all about our Discover the World of Dolphins campaign and make a donation at the same time, all in one place. Donors can make payments easily and securely. Donors can get involved by sending encouraging messages and sharing information about the campaign in their social circle. The platform supports credit or debit card transfers, PayPal transfers, mobile banking transfers by scanning the UPN QR code, online banking transfers or transfers at an authorised point (banks, post offices). No registration is required to make a donation.
You can also become part of our campaign by making a donation via the platform. Every contribution counts and only with your support will we be able to continue our mission. Your donations will help us realise our long-held ambition to provide the Dolphin Centre with everything it needs.
 
Here you can find information on how to make a donation on Pomagajmo.io platform.
11-04-2023

Landscape Park Strunjan Celebrates SPAMI Day

LANDSCAPE PARK STRUNJAN CELEBRATES SPAMI DAY

 
Join us at the SPAMI* Day in Landscape Park Strunjan on Saturday, 15 April! Learn about the importance of marine conservation and how you can become active in preserving our precious marine ecosystem.

 

 

 
During the event, which will take place between 10 AM and 3 PM you will have the opportunity to explore a circular learning trail through the park and visit four interactive stations where representatives of the Morigenos, Landscape Park Strunjan and the Institute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation will present the importance of SPAMI, the most significant plant and animal species in the area and the research of the dolphins that regularly visit the area, as well as practical tips and advice on how to better protect and preserve the marine environment through good habits.

 

The event is free and open to visitors of all ages.

 

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to learn and have fun while celebrating SPAMI Day. See you in the Landscape Park Strunjan!

 

*What is SPAMI?
No, it’s not a spam, but the acronym SPAMI stands for Specially Protected Areas of Mediterranean Importance. SPAMI areas are given a special status because of their ecological, scientific, aesthetic, cultural or educational importance at a regional level. The areas have been identified by the Regional Centre for Protected Areas of the Barcelona Convention. There are 39 such sites in the Mediterranean, with the Landscape Park Strunjan in Slovenia. To showcase the Mediterranean Sea in all its diversity and richness, SPAMI Day is celebrated every year on 15 April.

 

The SPAMI Day event is organised by Morigenos – Slovenian Marine Mammal Society and Landscape Park Strunjan as part of the SPAMI Day and Marine Education Trail project and the SPAMI LPS, co-funded by UNEP/MAP-SPA/RAC and the Italian Ministry of Environment and Energy Security.
27-01-2023

Journey of a Poet: Morigenos Researchers Document the Longest Recorded Movement in an Inshore Bottlenose Dolphin

JOURNEY OF A POET: MORIGENOS RESEARCHERS DOCUMENT THE LONGEST RECORDED MOVEMENT IN AN INSHORE BOTTLENOSE DOLPHIN

A dolphin sighted off Piran became the world record holder in londistance swimming. Morigenos researchers, together with colleagues from Filicudi WildLife Conservation and Delfini Del Ponente, documented the longest travel distance for an inshore bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). Our findings were published in a renowned science journal Mammalian Biology.

Prešeren with Slovenia’s highest mountain Triglav in the background.
 
In February 2020, during our dolphin monitoring in the Gulf of Trieste, Morigenos researchers photographed a dolphin that had not been seen in this area previously. As it was a new dolphin, and given it was sighted on 8 February (Prešeren Day, Slovenian national holiday, dedicated to Slovenia’s greatest poet France Prešeren), we called it Prešeren. Morigenos has been studying dolphins in the Gulf of Trieste for 20 years, during which time we identified over 400 individuals. Around 150 live here regularly, while others are occasional visitors. Prešeren was seen again a month later in March.
To our great surprise, we discovered that Prešeren arrived from Tyrrhenian Sea, more precisely from the Aeolian archipelago, north of Sicily, more than 1000 km from Piran. Researchers from Filicudi WildLife Conservation had been seeing him there between 2006 and 2017 (they called him Lino). As he was not seen since 2017, he was presumed dead. That is why they too were surprised when we contacted them and told them that “their” dolphin is now in the northern Adriatic. But how did we know that?In 2021 an online meeting took place, where Dr. Tilen Genov from Morigenos and Dr. Monica Blasi from Filicudi both participated. After his own talk, Tilen followed the presentation of Dr. Blasi and spotted a known fin in one of the photographs.

Photographing dolphin dorsal fins for individual identification.
 
After a careful examination of all available photographs, we jointly determined that this was the same dolphin beyond doubt. The animal had to travel at least 1251 km to get to Piran, breaking all the existing Mediterranean records, and most of world records too. But then an even greater surprise came. After we presented our preliminary results at an online international conference, we were contacted by researchers from Delfini Del Ponente, who study dolphins in the Ligurian Sea. It turns out they photographed Prešeren (Lino) as well, merely 6 months after we observed him off Piran. This time he had to travel a minimum of 2053 km (the shortest possible path), which is the longest recorded movement in a so-called inshore ecotype of bottlenose dolphins, and the second longest for the species overall. The only recorded movement that was longer was one of an “offshore” bottlenose dolphin ecotype, which was tracked through a satellite transmitter following a period of rehabilitation in human care.

Prešeren/Lino photographed in Tyrrhenian Sea, northern Adriatic Sea and Ligurian Sea
 
And why does that even matter? Bottlenose dolphins are generally thought of as a relatively resident species, with strong fidelity to their home area. This is mostly true, but our new findings, together with a review of the existing literature that we carried out, show that this species is much more mobile than we previously thought. This is important in relation to gene flow among populations, which is crucial in the long-term conservation of this species, but it also demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in conserving biodiversity. Such findings contribute to a better understanding of species, which indirectly leads to a better understanding of marine ecosystems.