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Why are the Pacific white-sided dolphins wearing brightly coloured objects over their eyes?

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Why are the Pacific white-sided dolphins wearing brightly coloured objects over their eyes?

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It is part of an exciting research project! The brightly coloured eyecups are made from non-toxic gelatin. The eyecups adhere to the dolphins using light suction and act like blindfolds so the dolphins cannot see. Dolphins have an extremely advanced built-in sonar or echolocation for hunting and navigation, but for unknown reasons the dolphins are not using their echolocation to detect fishing nets in the ocean. Tens of thousands of dolphins and porpoises die throughout the world every year after becoming entangled and/or accidentally caught in fishing gear. Currently, researchers do not have enough information about when and why these entanglements occur to reduce the mortalities. This unique study tries to understand why dolphins get caught in nets in the first place and then find ways to reduce the by-catch of dolphins in fishing nets. The trainers have worked extensively with our Pacific white-sided dolphins to ensure they are comfortable and acclimatized while wearing the eyecups.

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