The Spinner Dolphin Project with Projeto Golfinho Rotador
DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
April 22 - 24, 2025
Project Overview
From April 22 - 24, 2025, DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse hosted researcher Rafael Pinheiro from Projeto Golfinho Rotador's Spinner Dolphin Project, as she travelled from the Fernando de Noronha archipelago to the Brazilian mainland. Created in 1990, Projeto Golfinho Rotador's Spinner Dolphin Project aims to develop scientific research, environmental education, community involvement and sustainability actions to foster conservation of the spinner dolphins and Fernando de Noronha's marine biodiversity.
Application
Observational surveys of the region enable researchers to better understand spinner dolphin population distributions and habitat use, locating hotspots in need of conservation and shifts in behavioural patterns. The data collected contributes to local monitoring efforts and provides valuable information that can be used to support the need for improved cetacean conservation standards.
Expedition Summary
From April 22 - 24, 2025, DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse crossed the Atlantic Ocean from Fernando de Noronha to Natal, Brazil, providing an at-sea platform for marine biologist, Rafael Pinheiro (Rafa), to conduct observational studies as part of Projeto Golfinho Rotador's Spinner Dolphin Project. Fernando de Noronha is home to one of the largest populations of spinner dolphins in the world, making it an important site for protection and research. DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse enabled Rafa to undertake extensive data collection and monitoring of dolphin activity in the open sea between the archipelago and the mainland. Whilst sailing, Rafa and DISCOVERY Yacht Traverse's crew encountered a pod of approximately 15 spotted dolphins and a pod of approximately 15 Clymene dolphins.
Location
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Duration of Project
April 22 - 24, 2025
Leadership
Research Team
- Rafael Pinheiro
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