The Gulf of Dolphins

GOAL

In Golfo Aranci, Sardinia, we have created and promoted new forms of economic and social development, based on the enhancement of the area’s natural resources, in association with scientific research and practical-professional training.

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM IN GOLFO ARANCI

The Mediterranean’s precious and delicate marine ecosystem boasts the presence of some of the most beloved marine mammals: coastal bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).

With the “Gulf of Dolphins” project, numerous tour operators engaged in dolphin watching have been included in a network and involved in training courses for the development of low-impact nature tourism.

Guaranteeing their commitment is the Sustainable Dolphin Watching (FoS) certification, which assures tourists of responsible dolphin watching.
The result is an educational tourism offering that lays the foundation for the creation of new recreational activities and the de-seasonalization of tourist demand.

THE STAGES OF THE PROJECT:

1. Regulations

We collaborated with Friend of the Sea to create the certification of tour operators, drafting a regulation for sustainable dolphin sightings, based on the international ACCOBAMS (Agreement on the Conservation of Cetaceans in the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea and contiguous Atlantic Area) guidelines, adapted to the local reality.

2. Training

Operators conducting dolphin watching excursions for tourists have been trained about the characteristics of dolphins found in the Gulf and refer to the regulations for approaching animals in the project study area.

3. Research

Numerous university students have also been involved in the project through the collection of scientific data on the distribution and presence of bottlenose dolphins, to increase knowledge of these specimens and contribute to their protection. In addition, through scientific- informative posters, tourists visiting the area are made aware of the importance of ecotourism.

We also had the honor of attending the 34th annual conference of the European Cetacean Society with a scientific poster dedicated to the Gulf Of Dolphins project!

DOWNLOAD THE POSTER

THE ECOTOURISM MAP

Discover the dolphin watching operators who have joined the project

If you spot a dolphin…

Here are the 5 golden rules of charterers and tour operators for responsible and sustainable tourism, allowing us to experience the wonders of the sea without causing a disturbance

DOWNLOAD THE STICKER