As far as dolphins are concerned in this part of the
world, it is usually the Bottlenose that garners most of the attention.
However, another species that is often considered more fascinating and
exciting to witness, also inhabits the waters off of Ambergris Caye.
Spinner dolphins are not altogether common to this area, but recently
Green Reef received a report from a fisherman who observed a pod of six
or more dolphins swimming outside of the reef. This fortunate fisherman
was treated to a show of twirls and flips from these elusive, yet highly
social creatures.
True to their name, Spinner dolphins are distinguished
from other dolphins in their ability to leap out of the water and twist
their bodies into elegant curves and spins. It is not known why they
choose to do this, but some scientists believe this is one of many forms
of communication these dolphins use. Additionally, Spinner dolphins have
evolved a technique known as echolocation, in which pulses and clicks are
sent out from the dolphin. As these sounds bounce off of an object, they
are able to communicate with other dolphins or find prey. Using this
technique, these extremely intelligent creatures are able to interpret
the direction, distance, and size of potential prey, such as fish or
squid.
Spinner dolphins are found in tropical and subtropical
waters worldwide and sightings occur in both offshore and inshore waters.
These dolphins are known to prefer waters near islands that are adjacent
to reefs, therefore it is no surprise they would find the area around
Ambergris Caye an ideal habitat. Spinner dolphins often favor swimming
over large sandy patches, presumably as a method of avoiding sharks that
often hide in reef ridges. When they are not evading predators, these
dolphins can be found during the day in shallow water either resting or
playing. At night, however, Spinner dolphins become much more active and
travel to deep water in search of food. This is also the time when these
dolphins put on their greatest displays of spinning and flipping.
In addition to the characteristic spinning of these
dolphins, they are also identified by dark gray backs, light gray sides,
and a light gray belly. These dolphins are streamlined and slender, on
average growing to six feet and weighing up to 200 pounds. With long
skinny beaks that are black on top and white below, Spinner dolphins are
also equipped with flippers that are long and pointed. Like other
dolphins, female Spinner dolphins reach sexual maturity at five to seven
years of age, while the male matures later, at ages ten to twelve.
Females give birth every two years and have an eleven-month gestation
period. These dolphins may have a life span ranging anywhere from 30 to
40 years. Thus far, the worldwide population of Spinner dolphins is at a
healthy level. The primary threat these dolphins face is in the Pacific
Ocean, where by accident they are often caught in the nets of
yellowfish tuna fisheries. Conservationists have strongly opposed this
fishing technique and have fought for alternative methods to be used,
resulting in the advent of "dolphin-safe" tuna. Since there are no tuna
fisheries in Belize, the only true threat this dolphin faces in our
waters is pollution and habitat degradation due to increased coastal
development. In order for us to continue enjoying these unique and
amazing creatures, we must remain steadfast in their protection and the
environment as a whole, so they can thrive in the clean and plentiful
waters that this country is famous for.
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