Research

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All studies of dolphins in the waters of Mississippi have been sponsored by the IMMS. Some of the projects funded by the IMMS in the past have included:

• Aerial and boat assessment of population dynamics of local bottlenose dolphins
• Medical studies that have forwarded our understanding of the unique physiology of local fish and their populations, as well as studies with California Sea Lions
• Behavioral studies that have utilized the unique opportunity to examine these animals in a controlled environment, with an emphasis on understanding the behaviors exhibited in captivity and the application to better manage populations in the wild.
  
  Research plays a major role in public aquariums. Because oceanariums are among the few places where marine mammals can be closely observed, their research is the source of much of the scientific knowledge on dolphins currently available. Studying whales and dolphins under controlled conditions has also made it possible to learn how their senses work, how they echolocate, how they dive, and how they interact with one another. Information like this will undoubtedly prove to be invaluable in understanding and preserving the wild population.

The IMMS has contributed to this knowledge for many years, and is part of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network for the Gulf Coast. By responding to sick and injured animals, our staff is able to rehabilitate and learn from them at the same time.

One of the primary roles of the IMMS is assisting graduate and Ph.D. students with the opportunity to study marine mammals in a controlled environment. Some of the projects they are currently working on are:
* Investigating social development and social interaction in bottlenose dolphins.
* Investigating the communicative capacities of dolphins.
* Investigating dolphin and sea lion self-awareness.
* Comparing the capacity for relational learning in various species.