Families in the Sea: Understanding the kinship relationships of dusky dolphins in Patagonia, Argentina

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About This Project

I study how kinship shapes the social structure of dusky dolphins in Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia, hypothesizing that social composition, cohesion time, and group size vary with kinship across seasons.Tourism threatens this sentinel species by disrupting feeding and reproduction, endangering genetic diversity. Understanding these impacts is vital for their survival. With your support, we can protect these dolphins and promote sustainable dolphin-watching practices for generations to come.

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What is the context of this research?

Dolphin social structures, including group dynamics and behaviors, are influenced by the benefits and costs of group living. Additionally, genetics plays a crucial role in a species' social organization. In species like dolphins, where group size and composition can change over time, there is a strong link between genetics, ecology, and social structure.

In Golfo Nuevo, the relationship between social structure and genetics in dusky dolphins (Lagenorhynchus obscurus) is still unknown. During the warm season (November–April), they form large, fluid groups and collaborate for surface feeding. In contrast, during the cold season (May–October), groups become smaller and more stable, and they adopt more complex hunting techniques, such as coordinated diving for squid.

This project aims to understand how the genetics of dusky dolphins influences their social relationships across warm and cold seasons. We seek to explore how kinship ties may influence their grouping and interactions.

What is the significance of this project?

This research is crucial for understanding dolphin social organization and could have significant implications for their conservation, especially by revealing how family bonds are key to their survival in a changing environment. The project collaborates with regional tourism companies, providing educational talks for staff and tourists. Greater knowledge of dolphin biology and ecology enhances the ability to create regulations and legislation that ensure dolphin-watching practices are as non-invasive as possible, protecting these animals in the wild.

What are the goals of the project?

First, we will estimate kinship levels within dusky dolphin groups by analyzing microsatellite loci from 288 dolphin skin samples. Investigate whether groups with varying social structures (social composition, cohesion time, and group size) are associated with the presence of kinship bonds.

Next, we will compare kinship relationships with different types of social structures (studied through photo-identification and field data collected during 2022–2024) in dusky dolphin groups across warm and cold seasons in Golfo Nuevo.

Biopsies include group data and dorsal fin photographs, enabling the analysis of social structure. DNA will be extracted, molecular sexing performed, and over 25 microsatellite loci analyzed. Kinship (R) and paternity will be assessed using KINGROUP, CERVUS, and COLONY at GenMol (CCT-CENPAT – CONICET).

Budget

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My doctoral research focuses on how kinship relationships and trophic resource use shape the social structure of dusky dolphin. Over the past three years, we have conducted extensive field surveys, collecting 288 skin samples from dolphins and recording detailed data for each observed group, including GPS location, behavior, group size and type. Dorsal fin photographs were taken for photo-identification, enabling us to study social structure.

This research has made significant progress, including stable isotope analyses of skin samples that offer insights into the trophic ecology of dusky dolphins. However, securing funding for genetic analyses is essential to fully address our research question.

Your support would play a transformative role in advancing our understanding of the social and ecological dynamics of this sentinel species, contributing not only to scientific knowledge but also to the conservation of dusky dolphins and their fragile ecosystem in Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia.

Endorsed by

I have known Melisa since 2017, as a student at the University of Cuyo in Argentina. Melisa is one of the best in her cohort: bright, creative, and responsible. Her great initiative led her to pursue a master's degree in Mexico, where she gained her first experience working with dolphins. She then returned to Argentina to pursue her PhD with great commitment to this project. I believe she deserves all the support she can get to carry out these analyses and value her contribution to the conservation of Patagonian biodiversity.
Melisa Coronel is a remarkable scientist whose commitment, passion, and sense of responsibility play a pivotal role in this project. The research aims to deepen our understanding of how kinship influences the social structure of dusky dolphins in Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia, and how their social interactions change with the seasons. This study holds significant value for conservation efforts, emphasizing the importance of family bonds in the dolphins' survival, particularly amid environmental challenges such as tourism.
Melisa Coronel is an exceptional scientist whose dedication, enthusiasm, and responsible approach make her a key contributor to this project. The research is crucial for understanding how kinship shapes the social structure of dusky dolphins in Golfo Nuevo, Patagonia, and how their social dynamics vary across seasons. This study is of great importance for conservation, as it highlights the vital role of family bonds in the dolphins' survival, especially in the face of environmental pressures like tourism.

Project Timeline

Since we have already extracted DNA from each sample, we plan to perform PCR amplification during the first four months of the project's funding, followed by sequencing. The timeline will depend on the laboratory selected to carry out the analyses. Overall, we expect that within a year, the results will be processed and analyzed, ready to be written up and submitted to a high-impact scientific journal.

Feb 04, 2025

Project Launched

May 31, 2025

PCR amplification

Sep 30, 2025

Sequencing

Dec 31, 2025

Processing and writing of Results

Meet the Team

Melisa Coronel
Melisa Coronel
Master's in Marine and Coastal Ecosystem Management

Affiliates

PhD Student in Marine Mammals Laboratory (CESIMAR-CONICET)
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Team Bio

This Research Project is advised by Dr. Mariana Degrati and Dr. Rocío Loizaga who have extensive experience in research with cetaceans in Marine Mammals Lab. Dr. Degrati has extensive experience in studying the ecology of this species, while Dr. Loizaga de Castro is a specialist in population genetics of marine mammal species. This integrative research is visionary and promises to provide high-quality scientific data thanks to the combined expertise of both researchers.

Melisa Coronel

I am biologist from Argentine. During my master’s degree in Mexico, I worked with the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) population to delimit a priority area for them in northern Veracruz. Currently, these boundaries have been proposed to the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (CONANP) for modifying the influence area of the Lobos-Tuxpan reef system, thereby including the bottlenose dolphin in conservation and protection legislation. Currently, I am working on my PhD in Patagonia, studying the social structure of dusky dolphins and how trophic resource use and kinship relationships can affect it.

Lab Notes

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