Whitebeak Dolphin Project Meeting

Overview

On April 23, 2025, The International SeaKeepers Society were invited to attend and present at the Whitebeak Dolphin Project Meeting at the University of Plymouth. Researchers from the University of Exeter are interested in improving understanding of the whitebeak dolphin population that resides along the south coast of the UK. Potential project collaborators were invited to attend the meeting to discuss the current field of knowledge surrounding the species in the UK, where research is presently lacking, and how current efforts can be expanded to better describe the population's current distribution and habitat preferences. Following a collective discussion to map what we do and don't know about the UK whitebeak dolphin population, SeaKeepers were given the opportunity to present about the DISCOVERY Programme. This opportunity enabled SeaKeepers to discuss the potential for our vessel network to provide support in conducting at-sea surveys, both for this project and for other research initiatives currently being undertaken at the academic establishments in attendance. SeaKeepers connected with many interested parties and were provided with valuable insights to develop future programming activities. The meeting was highly successful and SeaKeepers look forward to supporting the project as it develops in the future.

The International SeaKeepers Society attended the Whitebeak Dolphin Project Meeting to learn more about the current knowledge of whitebeak dolphin populations in the UK and how our UK vessel network can support future research initiatives. SeaKeepers also attended the meeting to present about the DISCOVERY Programme and raise awareness for our mission, encouraging research and vessel participation in Science at Sea and Educational Outreach initiatives.