Marine Biology Major: 'I Will Be Better Equipped to Contribute to Future Research Projects'

I selected an intern position with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center because it aligns with my career aspirations in the field of whale and dolphin ecology. One of the key reasons I was drawn to this internship is the nature of the work involved.

As part of my role, I photograph individual dolphins when they come to the surface to breathe. By documenting these individual dolphins, I aim to develop the skills necessary to identify them based on their unique dorsal fin. This identification process will enable me to contribute to ecological analyses, which are crucial for understanding the behavior, population dynamics, and overall health of whale and dolphin populations. Furthermore, I will also be documenting behaviors (feeding, mating, etc.) that whales and dolphins exhibit on each trip.

My internship serves as a stepping stone toward acquiring the skills and knowledge necessary to conduct in-depth studies on whale and dolphin populations. I aim to develop proficiency in various research techniques, including data collection, analysis, data interpretation and photography of marine mammals. By honing these skills, I will be better equipped to contribute to future research projects and make meaningful contributions to the field of marine-mammal ecology and conservation.

Whale conservation has always been my calling, igniting a deep passion within me to make a meaningful impact in this field. The awe-inspiring beauty and intelligence of these creatures have motivated me to dedicate my career to their protection. I feel a sense of urgency to safeguard and restore whale populations, which face various threats such as pollution, habitat degradation, climate change, and commercial whaling.

My dream is to engage in research, educate the public or government officials, and, hopefully, raise awareness to the issues cetaceans are facing, ensuring a future where whales thrive in their natural habitats for generations to come.

During the first couple of weeks of my internship, I am beginning to hone the skills necessary to complete this internship. Right from the first day, I began capturing photographs of dolphin dorsal fins as they emerged for a breath of air.

Initially, this was a challenge since the dolphins resurfaced for only a split second before submerging again, and my attempts mostly resulted in unintentional water shots. However, I swiftly honed my skills, capturing 200 good photos with each dolphin sighting. I’ve also had to take pictures of the faces of dolphins as they come up, which has proved quite challenging. These pictures can be used in a facial recognition software for individual identification, as each dolphin face is unique.

As time has progressed, I was also able to use our catalog of dolphin dorsal fins. This enabled me to meticulously compare the distinctive features of the fins in the photos I took, allowing for the identification of individual dolphins. I’m even starting to get the hang of identifying dolphins from far away without using a camera or a catalogue.

Moreover, this internship is also refreshing my knowledge of educating the public on topics such as invertebrates, including horseshoe crabs and spider crabs, as one of my other tasks here is educating the public at a touch tank on the boat, as well as about whale baleen and its use.

Throughout my internship, my supervisors have consistently been willing to answer my questions, always willing to provide insightful answers. Their guidance and expertise have proved invaluable, providing me with a wealth of knowledge in whale and dolphin ecology.

Peter Porrello ’24, a marine biology major, is completing an internship with the Cape May Whale Watch and Research Center as part of the University’s Bergami Summer Internship program.