Final Report

I woke up Thursday morning and enjoyed a nice cup of coffee while packing my bags. Our flight wasn’t until 11:30am from Mobile, AL, but we had a busy morning ahead. The battery that died on our last survey effort needed to be replaced. We ran by the marine supply store, picked up a second battery and headed back to the lab for installation. We installed the battery and took off for the airport. Everyone hopped on the plane and we took off for home.


Pictured above, Oil Containment Boom Protects Shoreline
Oil containment booms placed by BP contracted boats protect the waters of Biloxi, Mississippi to prevent oil from the Deepwater Horizon from reaching the beach. Deepwater Horizon was an ultra-deepwater oil rig that sank April 22, causing an oil spill threatening the waters near the U.S. Gulf Coast. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (EXW/SW) Corey Truax/Released)

What a trip! More dolphins than I ever would have expected after experiencing Grand Isle, LA, great surveys and data collection opportunities and NO OIL to be seen the entire week we were there. I also heard through the grapevine that commercial fishing was reopening where we were located. All in all, with these conditions, I left feeling extremely positive about the Gulf situation. There is still a lot to be done and wildlife in the area is still in need of help and restoration, but we’re moving in a positive direction and that is hopeful.


I could not feel more fortunate that I work with such a supportive group of people at the Aquarium that allowed my participation in the Gulf dolphin research to be a possibility. I appreciate not only the support of our staff, but also the community. This was the last trip that I will be taking to assist the researchers on this project. I know they will continue to do amazing work on this project and would like to send a huge thank you to that team for inviting me to be a part of such an important project.



Take care everyone and always remember, just because you’re miles away, you can do your part by living green! With that, I will officially sign off!