Take part as a permanent and independent dolphin observer in our long-term study of coastal dolphin populations.

If you are on the beach or in a boat and you see dolphins passing by, please take note and a picture and send us the information. This will help us to better understand the dynamics of local dolphin groups and to identify how many dolphins are in your area.

In order to be useful for our research, your information needs to comply with the following minimum standards.

If you observed a dolphin or a dolphin group from a greater distance or if you do not have a photocamera with you, take note of the following information:

1. Where have you seen the dolphins: name of beach, name of nearest city, position of beach in relation to that city (south of.../north of…) (if you carry a GPS, please provide coordinates).
2. Day and time when observed
3. Species observed (from the beach you'll most probably observe Bottlenose dolphins)
4. Number of animals
5. Direction the dolphins swam (northwards, southwards)
6. Any other observations: Play behaviour, jumping, baby dolphins, etc.

In case you go regularly to the same beach or own a beach house, please provide information about every time you see the dolphins.

If you have a camera with a long lens (300 mm or more) try to take a picture of the dolphins (especially from the dorsal fins)

If you travel on sea, try to come closer to the dolphins by aproaching them from behind or parallel. Never approach them from the front or ortogonal from the side. Try to take a picture from the dorsal fins of the animals.

If you have a digital camera - dont try to take a picture - it won't work - digital cameras are too slow and you will just take pictures of the sea surface as dolphins are already submerged again.

Please send this information via email to mundoazul@terra.com.pe. Please scan your picture or send us an original print to Las Acacias 185 A, Lima18 - Miraflores.

Every month we are presenting a Mundo Azul dolphin observer short to one of the people that sent us information. So please dont forget to provide your full address, email and phone number in order for us to contact you.