date, time, location, activities, headings, and environmental conditions were 

 recorded for each sighting. Numbers of dolphins were recorded in real time as 

 minimum, maximum, and best point estimates of numbers of total dolphins, calves 

 (dolphins < about 80-85% adult size, typically swimming alongside an adult), and 

 young-of-the-year (as a subset of the number of calves). A young-of-the-year is 

 defined as a calf in the first calendar year of life and is recognized by one or more of 

 the following features: (1) small size; 50%-75% of the presumed mother's length, (2) 

 darker coloration than the presumed mother, (3) non-rigid dorsal fin, (4) 

 characteristic head-out surfacing pattern, (5) presence of neonatal vertical stripes, (6) 

 consistently surfacing in "calf position'' alongside the dorsal fin of the mother. The 

 specific parameters recorded are defined, and a sample data sheet is presented, in the 

 Appendices 1 and 2. 



We used Nikon camera systems (FE, F3, 2020, 8008) with zoom-telephoto 

 lenses, motor drives, and data backs to photograph each school. Over the course of 

 the project, longer lenses (up to 300 mm) and auto-focus cameras and lenses were 

 incorporated, resulting in improved photo quality, and decreasing the time required 

 to obtain satisfactory photographic coverage of each group. Kodachrome 64 color 

 slide film was used throughout the surveys. The fine grain of this film provided 

 excellent clarity for resolution of fin features. Color film allowed evaluation of the 

 age of some wounds and fin features. 



The survey team was based on Don Pedro Island, at the southern end of 

 Lemon Bay, near the southern extent of Region 1. This field station was 42 km from 

 the farthest edge of the study area in Region 4, 32 km from the most distant point in 

 Region 5, and 23 km from the most distant point in Region 6. The long distance and 

 the large areas of exposed waters in Charlotte Harbor meant that the boats often 

 faced abrupt changes in weather conditions and sea states during any given day, at 

 times preventing us from reaching or adequately covering some regions. To 

 facilitate access to the more distant regions, we began using a third boat in 1993 to 

 reduce the time required to cover these areas. 



Photo-Identification Catalog 



The patterns of nicks, notches, and scars on the dorsal fin and visible body 

 scars have been used successfully in numerous studies of bottlenose dolphins to 

 identify individuals over time (Scott et al. 1990a; Wursig and Jefferson 1990). Our 

 photographic catalog is based on exclusive categories that classify individuals with 

 similar features together. Each of the 12 categories of the catalog is based on: (1) the 

 division of the trailing edge of the dorsal fin into thirds and distinctive features 

 located in each third; (2) distinctive features on the leading edge of the fin; (3) 

 distinctive features on the anterior portion of the peduncle and (4) evidence of 

 permanent scarring or pigmentation patterns on the fin or body. 



The primary photo-ID catalog is composed of the most diagnostic and best 

 quality original slides of each animal, filed alphabetically by each individual 

 dolphin's unique four-character code. Prints are made from the original slides and 



