Dolphin Behavioral

Research Project

About the project

Along the northeastern coast of Unguja, Zanzibar, lies a vibrant dolphin habitat increasingly affected by growing boat traffic driven by tourism, especially around Mnemba Island. While dolphin watching provides valuable economic and educational opportunities, it also raises urgent concerns about balancing human curiosity with the need to protect these sensitive marine mammals.

Project Duration:

This project began in May 2024 and continues as we conduct ongoing research into dolphin behavior and the impacts of tourism.

Collaboration:

We work closely with local communities, marine biologists, tour operators, and conservation organizations to promote sustainable practices that protect dolphin populations while improving educational experiences for tourists.

Eco-Guide Development & Operator Training

Under the Wave, in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy, has created official dolphin-watching guidelines to promote responsible and non-invasive wildlife encounters.
We are currently developing an eco-guide training program, where we will train local boat operators on how to correctly apply these guidelines in the field. This program aims to:

Improve animal welfare during dolphin encounters
Reduce stress and disturbance caused by boat chases
Promote responsible and sustainable dolphin tourism
Empower local operators with knowledge and best practices

This training forms an essential step toward standardizing ethical dolphin-watching tours across the region.

Benefits:

Conservation Awareness: Promoting a culture of respectful and informed wildlife observation.
Sustainable Practices: Using research findings to guide best practices and improve tour operations.
Community Engagement: Supporting local livelihoods by enhancing eco-tourism opportunities and providing professional training.

What We Do

Our team observes and documents interactions between dolphins and tourist boats to assess disturbances caused by human activities. By comparing dolphin behavior during high and low tourist seasons, we gather scientific evidence of the impact of boat chases and overcrowding. These findings support our advocacy for more responsible, regulated dolphin-watching practices.

How You Can Help

Choose sustainable dolphin tours led by experienced guides who respect dolphin space, avoid revving engines, and do not promote swimming with dolphins. These practices ensure the well-being of the animals while offering a meaningful visitor experience.

Would you like to support our Dolphin Behavioral Research Project in Zanzibar? We welcome new partners and donations to help us continue building a sustainable future for our oceans and local communities.