one by one®: Cedar Key Dolphin Project
Cedar Key Dolphin Project grew out of research conducted by Stefanie Gazda while she was working toward a master’s degree at University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. While studying marine biology and biological oceanography, she learned of unusual feeding behavior in bottlenose dolphins off Florida’s west coast.
Not only did the feeding activity—which involved dolphins working together to corral their next meal—make for a successful master’s project, it led Gazda to launch a nonprofit dedicated to the conservation of bottlenose dolphins through research, collaboration and education. “This driver-barrier behavior was the first documented case of a division of labor with role specialization in a marine animal, and the second one in any mammal,” said Gazda, president and founder of Cedar Key Dolphin Project.
Taking care of the Florida Nature Coast
Gazda has more than 20 years of experience studying Cedar Key area dolphins. While her organization doesn’t have employees, it welcomes volunteers plus graduate students as summer field assistants. There is also a five-person board of directors. Together the team has carried out several projects, including tracking and cataloging resident and nonresident bottlenose dolphin populations along what’s known as Florida’s Nature Coast. “I’m proud of this work because we do a lot of good science,” Gazda said. “Our work is really solid.”
Educating the community about bottlenose dolphins and how people and dolphins can safely coexist is also part of the organization’s mission. It attends several festivals throughout the year to spread the word and rally support.
Researchers and supporters land promotional dad hats
A one by one grant provided relaxed promotional dad hats, featuring the Cedar Key Dolphin Project logo on the front and the organization’s name on the back. The hats are given to researchers in the field and sold to supporters during outreach events, offering an extra fundraising incentive.
Cedar Key Dolphin Project team members spend countless hours working in the Florida sunshine, so the hats are more than just a great way to help the logo be seen. They also provide sun protection. “Everyone loves them,” Gazda said. “They’re comfortable. My hat is already well worn. It’s got sunscreen all over it.”
There’s also a unification aspect. Gazda said it’s meaningful to give field assistants and collaborators apparel to wear in the field. “They feel like they’re part of the team,” she said.
A note from Cheryl
It was fascinating to learn about Cedar Key Dolphin Project’s discovery, collaboration and conservation efforts. We’re thrilled to help by providing promotional dad hats to unite the team and add to its fundraising capabilities. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.