Taras Oceanographic Foundation

It is a pioneering conservation organization, dedicated to advance marine science and protecting local wild dolphins populations.
The Taras Oceanographic Foundation has been delivering on that hope and inspiration for more than 20 years. It advances marine science and the protection of marine wildlife and the preservation of coastal and underwater habitats in South Florida. Coastal areas and marine habitat in South Florida face a myriad of challenges that threaten their long- term future. Few ecosystems still exist where the impact of human activity has not been felt, threatening biodiversity and the long-term survival of many species.
We not only work to protect bottlenose dolphins, but entire ecosystems and the diverse flora and fauna sustained in these places of stunning natural beauty.
Through its dolphin and ocean conservation research, education, and cultural programs, the Foundation helps ensure the long-term survival of both people and the oceans.
The three major, specific goals are to:
• Understand dolphin communities, the social behavior and organization, habitat use, and their health status, and illustrate how their health is related to our own well being;
• Advance our understanding of plastic litter and its impact on marine life and human activities, and develop strategies and tools for the responsible use of natural resources;
• Empower citizens to advocate for the conservation of dolphins and the marine environment and educate the next generation of dolphin and ocean enthusiasts and stewards.

The pursuit of these goals is being paired with our commitment to a truly sustainable approach, including a zero carbon footprint, that ensures the Foundation’s operation does not have a negative impact on the very life systems it seeks to protect.

Our strategic approach to meet our goals involves a dolphin and ocean conservation research, and two Edu-tainment programs, a lecture and a concert series.

Dolphin and Ocean Conservation Research
This flagship program, also known as Palm Beach Dolphin Project, is a long-term conservation study under the General Authorization from the National Marine Fisheries Service, focusing on dolphin behavior, habitat use, social lives, population size, and the health of wild dolphins.
In addition to gathering critical baseline data about wild dolphin populations, we shed light on near-shore marine environment, and how the health of these top predators, and the conditions of the natural resources they depend upon, directly and indirectly, impact our own health and well-being.
Over the last 19 years we have identified more than 600 individuals; some are residents, others are transitory.
We also document and gather critical information about the health status of dolphins and the potential presence of pollutants and ocean litter, from macro to micro plastics.
Engaging in dolphin and ocean conservation today is the only way to ensure future generations can enjoy the marvel of wild dolphins living along our coast, the splendor of a sunrise or sunset on a pristine beach and will have access to healthy sea food.

The Meet the Scientist Lecture Series promotes the pursuit of science and technology and the communication and overall relationship between scientists and the people of the communities in which they live and work. The series also serves as a forum for all stakeholders and constituents to share their views and activities with a wider audience, while providing a wonderful resource of a wide range of information for students and adults alike.
Over the past 17 years this program has introduced more than 100 national and international world-class scientists and researchers, associated with a variety of local, national and international organizations. It has been especially gratifying that the lectures have become an informational nexus with a sufficient sphere of influence to facilitate and otherwise contribute to widespread policy advances and personal changes in attitudes.

The Ocean of Notes Concert Series has been around for 10 years. Music and science are closely related. It is the interaction of sounds, tempo, and pitch that creates music, just as facts and knowledge, combined with imagination and conjecture produces new scientific discoveries.
But music is so much more: it is an unexplainable manifestation uniquely human, pleasing to our ears, and nurturing our minds and souls. Appreciating environmental jewels and participating in their protection is equally rewarding and important. But for many people engaging in conservation has its own difficulties, including not knowing how to get involved or whether one can really make a difference. As it turns out music is wonderful way to engage the audience in specific conservation efforts or campaigns.

The Taras Oceanographic Foundation has permanent access to two research vessels, which are outfitted to conduct our dolphin and ocean conservation surveys. One of the vessels is also being used to advance the Foundation’s mission to enhance awareness and engage the public in dolphin and ocean conservation science.

The Foundation has a proven track record of successfully delivering the ‘Meet the Scientist Lecture Series, which it produces in concert with the Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy of Jupiter High School (JERFSA). Over the past 18 years this program has introduced more than 100 national and international world-class scientists and researchers, associated with a variety of local, national, and international organizations. It has been especially gratifying that the lectures have become an informational nexus with a sufficient sphere of influence to facilitate and otherwise contribute to widespread policy advances and personal changes in attitudes. And with an average of close to 300 people in attendance, the Meet the Scientist Lecture Series has evolved into one the most successful program of its kind.
Similarly, the Foundation has an impeccable record of producing live concerts to the highest professional standards in the music business.

Finally, the Taras Oceanographic Foundation has a Board of Directors, the executive leadership and the supporting cast of interns and volunteers with extensive experiences across various fields of expertise, which together, ensure that the organization meets its goal.

The Taras Oceanographic Foundation operates small research vessels to conduct dolphin and ocean conservation research.
Over the past 19 years, we have conducted hundreds of surveys along the coastline of Palm Beach County, Florida. In the process, we have identified more than 600 individual bottlenose and spotted dolphins, some are residents, others stay for a while before moving on, just like their human counter parts, the so-called snowbirds, others yet are transitory. We continue to document and gather the abundance, behavior, social organization, and habitat use of wild dolphins off Palm Beach County, while also collecting critical information about dolphin health.

More than valuable intellectual exercises, our studies help us understand the threats dolphins are facing and teach us to care about the world. Generally, understanding begets caring.
In addition to gathering dolphin related data, we monitor and collect ocean litter encountered during conservation surveys and create high lightly accurate maps of critical underwater habitats, such as coral reefs and seagrass beds. These maps illustrate the temporal and spatial relationships of natural resources, environmental conditions, and human activities, and in fact have changed how we see the world.
Trying to understand requires the continuation of this longitudinal research effort and the Foundation is well positioned to continue its successful dolphin and ocean conservation research. We have recently begun to produce short films illustrating what we have learned about dolphins and the ocean as well as what challenges lie ahead and how the public can take of stronger participatory role in dolphin and ocean conservation.

The ongoing lecture series is in its 19th season and this program continues to have significant impact on the lives of those in attendance. Perhaps the clearest evidence of its success is the fact that on the occasion of the 10-year anniversary of the program, four of the speakers were former students who by then had earned their Master’s of Ph.D. We are looking forward to welcoming more former students as speakers in the coming years.

With regard to the concert series, the feedback we receive from the audience leaves no doubt that our concerts, with their mix of learning about the world and enjoying a live music performance, has a lasting impact on the audience, the performers, and those who watched the live stream of the event. People are clearly enjoying the experience, making great memories of it, and – through various initiatives (such as not to use plastic bags) get involved in conservation by making more sensible and informed choices in their personal lives, thus contributing to our conservation efforts, while helping to make the world a better place.