The Potomac-Chesapeake Dolphin Project studies the Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins that visit the waters near the mouth of the Potomac River. This area is rich with history, has a vibrant local community, and impressive wildlife. Read below to learn more about our field site.
Location
The PCDP studies the dolphins of the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay, however, our current research focuses on a small area near the mouth of the Potomac River, between Piney Point, Maryland and Kilmarnock, Virginia. Click on the top left corner expandable icon to see the locations of our dolphins sightings (blue) and sightings reported by members of the community (pink) dating back to 1999.
Research Base
Our research is based out of Reedville, Virginia in the Northern Neck. Reedville, once the richest town per capita in the nation as a result of the booming menhaden fishing industry, continues to be a hub for marine activity through recreational and commercial fisheries. The PCDP works to be active members of the Northern Neck community through community talks and participation in local events.
Smith Point Lighthouse near Smith Point Marina where we dock R/V Ahoya
Research Vessel
Smith Point Marina marine gas station. Photo by Meg Wallen.
Our research vessel is a center console 2008 May-craft 1800 Skiff fitted with a 90 hp Yamaha 4-stroke engine. Her name, Ahoya, combines Georgetown University's mascot (Hoya) and the maritime saying Ahoy! When she is not in use, she resides on her slip at Smith Point Marina, which provides easy access to our field site and gas, or might be at Jett's Marine getting serviced. During the winter months, we keep her safe in a garage at Georgetown University.
Darya Assil, Verena Conkin, and Arielle Solomon aboard Ahoya. Photo by Janet Mann.
Wildlife
While we focus our research on dolphins, our field site is rich of other wildlife, most notable many impressive bird species. Below are a few shots we were able to capture from our research vessel, in between dolphin surveys.
An osprey (Pandion haliaetus) sitting atop its nest on one of the channel markers in the Little Wicomico River. Photo by Eric M. Patterson
Brown pelicans (Pelecanus occidentalis) sitting on the posts of pound net. Photo by Eric M. Patterson
A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) soaring overhead right in front of our research base. Photo by Meg Wallen