Date of Award
5-8-2026
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
Barbara Spiecker
Second Advisor
Patrizia Patti
Abstract
The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most biodiverse regions, and especially around the Maltese islands, a popular tourist destination where people come to enjoy the beautiful weather and blue waters. Because bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the most common species people see in coastal areas, they are the primary focus of this research. We care about these bottlenose dolphins because they cannot protect themselves if we are the ones accidentally causing them harm. This study starts from the belief that if we cannot protect the ocean and marine life, then we cannot protect ourselves. We use many resources that depend on the ocean. We must work together so that both humans and the ocean can thrive. Using observational data from 2020–2024 collected by EcoMarine Malta, this project reviewed photos of dorsal fins as evidence to monitor the proximity of bottlenose dolphins to human activity. The findings show that bottlenose dolphins are frequently exposed to aquaculture boats, fishermen, tourists, and jet skis at the aquaculture site in the southeastern part of Malta. These interactions peak during the summer months of June and July, with 2022 identified as the most active year. There are many people who do not realize how much human activity impacts the natural environment and the daily routines of marine species. This study aims to show the importance of being mindful and "strategizing" our approach as we coexist with marine life worldwide. By documenting these interactions, this research supports the creation of new policies and safety measures to ensure that both humans and marine ecosystems remain safe and healthy.
Recommended Citation
Bronneberg, Julia, "Photo Identification on Interactions between Tursiops Trucatus and Humans to Promote the Importance of Sustainability" (2026). Undergraduate University Honors Capstones. 137.
https://ida.gallaudet.edu/honors_capstones/137
