CENTRE FOR DOLPHIN STUDIES

The Centre for Dolphin Studies (CDS) is an internationally recognised marine mammal research institute. Established in 1989 by its present director Dr. Vic Cockcroft, the CDS aims to promote the research and conservation of Southern African marine mammals.

The launch of this research institute evolved from the need to know more about the Western Indian Ocean, and particularly Southern African whales, dolphins, seals and other marine animals. Of course, increasing coastal degradation placed added emphasis on this need for more information.

The CDS runs its own local programmes or helps to co-ordinate projects elsewhere in Africa and other places in the world. These projects are highly diverse and range from studies of behaviour, ecology and taxonomy to anatomy, physiology, conservation and management. Through a network of scientists and post-graduate students, the CDS has completed more that 30 research programmes and published more than 145 scientific papers and popular articles.

The CDS also aims to encourage the science of marine mammalogy, through the teaching of school and university students. Researchers also help advise authorities in other States on effective conservation and management of their marine mammals and coastal environments.