Who We Are
The Galveston Bay Dolphin Research Program (GDRP) aims to better understand the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) that live in the Galveston Bay estuary along the Gulf Coast of Texas.
Through boat-based surveys and long-term monitoring, researchers study the ecology, behavior, and health of this resident dolphin population.
The program also raises public awareness about Galveston Bay dolphins through community outreach, volunteer engagement, and education initiatives that help connect people to the wildlife of the Bay.
Learn more on galvestonbaydolphin.org ↗
What We Do
We conduct scientific research and monitoring of bottlenose dolphins in Galveston Bay, Texas. Using dorsal fin photo-identification methods during year-round boat-based surveys, we are able to learn about individual dolphins. Additionally, we conduct exploratory surveys, remote biopsy sampling, and acoustic monitoring to increase understanding of this population.
Read some of our publications on galvestonbaydolphin.org ↗
Community Science Volunteering
Year-round Field Monitoring
We conduct boat surveys with the help of trained and vetted volunteers to track individual dolphins, residency patterns, and seasonal movements throughout Galveston Bay.
Land-Based Citizen Science
Through our Land-based Dolphin Research and Outreach Station, trained volunteers work in 3-4 person teams to conduct land-based dolphin observations while interacting with visitors at the park.
The station supports two primary objectives:
- document fisher-dolphin interactions and obtain photographs that can be used for post-analysis (e.g. for individual identification and to record scarring consistent with fishing debris entanglement), and
- use dolphins as a charismatic/flagship species to educate on the effects of marine debris and encourage the use of monofilament recycling tubes at the park.
The station is set up at Seawolf Park in Galveston, a location where dolphins are sighted often and where GBF’s Marine Debris team has identified high concentrations of fishing/monofilament debris.
Interested in volunteering with the Dolphin Research and Outreach Station?
This specialized volunteer role supports community science, dolphin conservation research, and public outreach in Galveston Bay.
Volunteer opportunities are offered periodically based on program capacity and cohort needs.
Volunteer Requirements
- Be 18 years or older
- Be able to work outdoors for 3–4 hours
- Walk and stand on uneven ground
- Carry and set up equipment (~25 lbs)
- Work independently during shifts while collaborating with teammates
- Follow station protocols and instructions
- Provide two professional references
- Commit to at least one shift per month for one year
Training and Commitment
This is an ongoing initiative, and long-term commitment is essential.
Selected volunteers participate in a structured multi-day training workshop designed to support:
- Dolphin identification and observation methods
- Data collection protocols
- Photography techniques
- Visitor engagement strategies
- Marine debris interpretation and conservation messaging
Selected participants may be asked to contribute a one-time training materials fee to help offset workshop costs.
Prospective volunteers are encouraged to express interest when recruitment periods are announced.
Questions?
Questions about the program can be directed to Elisa O'Neal, Volunteer Manager, at eoneal@galvbay.org .
Details
| (281) 332-3381 | |
| volunteer@galvbay.org | |
| Alyssa Quackenbush | |
| Research Associate | |
| https://galvestonbaydolphin.org/ |
