Dr. Bearzi photographs a bowriding dolphin for skin disease analysis.(01 of08)
Open Image ModalHow our skin appears often reflects how we feel and the same is true of dolphins. Over the last few years, scientists around the world have begun to notice the presence of skin lesions on various cetacean species. Both, environmental and anthropogenic factors seem to be implicated in the rising prevalence of diseases in marine mammals. This image, taken from my research boat in Southern California, will be used to document and evaluate bottlenose dolphins' skin lesions. Taking images like this is one way we can gather key information on these animals' health status and document the presence of pathogens. Monitoring lesions on dolphins may reveal potential implications not only on their health but on human health as well.
The smile of a dolphin.(02 of08)
Open Image ModalJoyful animals with ever-present smiles or carefree creatures of the sea, is how most of us see dolphins. We tend to project our own human attributes on them, perhaps because of the shape of their mouths. But what we see as the fixed and happy face of a dolphin might obscure their true mood. Dolphins, like us, experience a broad spectrum of emotions including grief, annoyance, and anger. If emotions are difficult to understand and measure in these ocean-dwellers, we need only pause for a moment to think how difficult it is to know what we ourselves are feeling at any given moment.
Common dolphins in a feeding frenzy.(03 of08)
Open Image ModalThe otherwise calm surface of the ocean comes increasingly alive with the wavelets created by diving birds and dolphin fins. Here we see hundreds of dolphins, all seemingly ready for a party. In the waters off California, dolphins, sea lions and seabirds meet along submarine canyons to feed together. Scientists worldwide have observed dolphin species congregating along seafloor reliefs, submarine canyons and escarpments. These observations show that undersea topography, rather than water depth, is a key feature influencing the distribution of these animals.
A glance from the captive world. (04 of08)
Open Image ModalDolphins in captivity are nothing like the dolphins I've seen in the ocean. These magnificent creatures need space, both physical and emotional, just as we humans do. As a child, I remember buying my first camera and excitedly walking into a zoo in Italy to photograph the great, wild creatures I would find there. But as I wandered past the cages, what I noticed that most displayed the heartbreaking expression of broken animals locked forever behind bars. After spending half of a lifetime in company of dolphins, I know too well how these socially complex and intelligent creatures are stripped of everything they need in a tank. Like any prisoner, a caged dolphin is not a happy dolphin.
High jump.(05 of08)
Open Image ModalInshore bottlenose dolphins are the most studied species of cetaceans and are well known for living near the beach. But there is also an offshore population of the same species that we know very little about. My curiosity about this still unknown offshore population is what pushed my research further offshore to explore the pelagic waters of California. Although the photo-identification work proved that the spatial separation between coastal and offshore populations is not as pronounced as previously believed, the behavior for the two populations is different, with offshore dolphins socializing much more than coastal dolphins...
A sea lion searches for dolphins in Santa Monica Bay, California.(06 of08)
Open Image ModalWhere did the dolphins go? For a moment the sea lion seem lost; it stops, sticking its head out of the water for a better view. Then it adjusts its route to follow the dolphin school, speeding up to close the gap. California sea lions often associate with common dolphins at sea. After studying and videotaping these associations for years, I believe that sea lions may actually take advantage of the superior ability of dolphins to echolocate food.
A harbor seal pup wanting to come aboard.(07 of08)
Open Image ModalOffshore, we see the tiny head of a harbor seal pup poking up from the surface. I slow the boat and attempt to parallel the seal's direction, trying not to scare it. The pup is not disturbed by the research boat and stares intently at the crew as it draws closer. Then something out of the ordinary happens. The baby seal swims up against the side of our boat and, with swift movements of its flippers, attempts to come aboard. We all watch as the seal pup tries again and again to get out of its medium and into ours, pausing every so often to regain its strength. Before I have the chance to voice my decision to leave the seal pup alone (and perhaps inciting mutiny in my crew), the little seal gives us a last look and swims deliberately away.
Learning humility from dolphins.(08 of08)
Open Image ModalMy life in proximity to dolphins and other creatures has left a profound and beautiful impression on me. Because of them, I frequently wonder about my place on this planet, and what traces I will leave behind me. I've encountered many animals in my work, some more clever than others, but they all--in their own way--taught me lessons of humility and made me wonder about the short and long-term effects of humanity's conceit and insatiable greed.