Press Releases

October 13, 1999
Student Awarded Two Grants for Dolphin Research

Contact:
Debbie Hare
(516) 287 8313
Fax: (516) 283 4081

Allison Wright, a senior majoring in Psychobiology and Fine Arts at Southampton College of Long Island University, has been awarded a $1,500 Explorers Club Youth Activity Grant, as well as a $1,000 grant from the Joseph Long Foundation of Phoenix, Arizona in support of her dolphin study in Costa Rica.

The research is a collaborative effort of Southampton College and the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation. Allison is one of 13 students selected to travel with Dr. Paul Forestell, Associate Professor for Psychobiology at Southampton College, to Manzanillo to participate in the study and to document the social behaviors of a group of tucuxi dolphins found off the east coast of Costa Rica. This will be Allison's third trip to the Talamanca Dolphin Foundation with Dr. Forestell to conduct research on the tucuxi and bottlenose dolphins in order to build upon previous data and learn more about the behaviors of the local dolphins. There is now increasing concern that ongoing attempts to observe the tucuxi may result in high levels of disturbance, and interfere with their use of what appears to be critical habitat. Allison writes: "My study will help establish guidelines for local boat operators to ensure minimal disturbance for the tucuxi."

Currently, little is known about tucuxi dolphins, especially in the Manzanillo, Costa Rica area. Work will be carried out in conjunction with the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge. The findings of this study will hopefully provide the local community with guidelines on how to approach both species while "dolphin watching", fishing, or simply boating.

Allison became interested in this project long before she adopted it as her independent study and basis for her honors thesis at Southampton College. Independent study, internships, and cooperative educational opportunities are a fundamental part of the experiential education provided by Southampton College.

Allison was honored to be the recipient of the Explorers Club grant which she was awarded after submitting a proposal describing her research to their Youth Activity Fund. The Honorary President of the Explorers Club is Sir Edmund Hillary.

Allison writes: "Every aspect of the project has meaning to me. Helping to protect marine mammals in an area that has few resources, is a dream come true. My goal is to help the people gain a better understanding and appreciation of the animals that they see every day in order to stress the importance of maintaining the dolphins' habitat."

Allison is the daughter of Charles Wright of Baldwin, New York, and Geraldine Wright of New Hyde Park, New York.