Analyzing interactions between Hawaiian spinner dolphins and humans

Project PI: Lindsey Rohlf

Project Advisor: Lisa Parr

Spinner dolphins, naiʻa, or Stenella longirostris, are an integral species in Hawaiian ecosystems, and on Hawaiʻi Island are primarily found on the western side. They rely on several of the bays on the leeward side of the island to rest, and these same bays are frequented by humans snorkeling and otherwise interacting with the natural habitat. I will be observing the surface interactions between humans and spinner dolphins in Kealakekua and Honaunau bays. This study aims to document whether humans are changing their own behavior to interact with dolphins in the water, and in turn, whether the spinner dolphins are changing their surface social behaviors.

Project completed