DolphinCare-Africa

General Info

Our goal is to encourage sustainable dolphin tourism resulting in the conservation of our most precious natural resource, the
dolphins of Ponta do Ouro.

Our goal is to encourage sustainable dolphin tourism resulting in the conservation of our most precious natural resource, the dolphins of Ponta do Ouro. DolphinCare~Africa is supported by the research contributions from volunteers, donations, grants and Dolphin Encountours who has been facilitating in-water experiences with the resident bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). A one boat policy together with highly developed code of conduct that is based on 16 years experience, ensures minimal stress for the dolphins when encountours are taking place. This code of conduct is sighted as standard practice (Guissamulo, 2007:34) (Stensland and Särnblad, 2007:39) (Berggren and Coles 2009: 115) and has been recognised internationally as best policy while ‘swimming’ with wild dolphins. Encountours are guided by a qualified crew
that include ecology skippers, marine biologist, volunteers and camera crew who ensure the continuation of the photo id program. The data and work undertaken on-board the dolphin eco-tourism boat Avalon, has been both published and presented over the years; the Society of Marine Mammal Conference (Cape Town November 2007) the European Ceatacen Conference (Germany March 2010) the Africa Marine Mammal Colloquium (Cape Town May 2010).
The importance of giving back to the dolphins led the way to the establishment of DolphinCare- Africa.

The orginisation works under a formal memorandum of understanding with the Natural History Museum of the University of Eduardo Mondalane in Maputo. Dca’s research project - The Monitoring of Large Megafauna within the Ponta do Ouro - Santa Maria Region is permitted through DNAC (0010/2009). Avalon - the sea-going vessel is licensed under 090/inamar/tm/
2008.