The most distinctive features of this dolphin are the striking black lines from the eye to the middle region and to the pectoral (front) flipper. Its belly is pinkish white in colour. It has a slender body and a prominent ‘beak’. The adult dolphin can reach a size of 200 to 220cm and is distinctively much smaller than the bottlenose dolphin (see KAI Tursiops).

The most distinctive features of this dolphin are the striking black lines from the eye to the middle region and to the pectoral (front) flipper. Its belly is pinkish white in colour. It has a slender body and a prominent ‘beak’. The adult dolphin can reach a size of 200 to 220cm and is distinctively much smaller than the bottlenose dolphin (see KAI Tursiops).

It can be identified by the pale yellow and grey hourglass pattern (figure of 8) on its sides, the main distinguishing feature of this species. Its flippers, flukes and fin are predominantly dark, and its dorsal fin and beak are quite prominent like the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) like the striped dolphin, it is smaller than the bottlenose dolphin.

It can be identified by the pale yellow and grey hourglass pattern (figure of 8) on its sides, the main distinguishing feature of this species. Its flippers, flukes and fin are predominantly dark, and its dorsal fin and beak are quite prominent like the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) like the striped dolphin, it is smaller than the bottlenose dolphin.

Two members of the KAI team locating, observing, and identifying cetacean and turtle species. The powerful binoculars being used allows sight over a large distance, increasing the area available to be surveyed.

Two members of the KAI team locating, observing, and identifying cetacean and turtle species. The powerful binoculars being used allows sight over a large distance, increasing the area available to be surveyed.

The ‘Aurora Boreal’ catamaran used as the research vessel moored with Valletta in the background. During the BOV Boat show in September, the vessel was also used as a show case of this project. During this show, MEPA (in an appropriate gazebo for promoters in this show) also showed a looped video (as also shown from inside the boat) of the survey work done in summer 2013. This helped to further promote the project and raise awareness to boat owners and potential boat owners who attended this boat show event spread over a number of days.

The ‘Aurora Boreal’ catamaran used as the research vessel moored with Valletta in the background. During the BOV Boat show in September, the vessel was also used as a show case of this project. During this show, MEPA (in an appropriate gazebo for promoters in this show) also showed a looped video (as also shown from inside the boat) of the survey work done in summer 2013. This helped to further promote the project and raise awareness to boat owners and potential boat owners who attended this boat show event spread over a number of days.

The flukes of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) lifted high into the air preparing for a deep dive. It is the largest toothed cetacean present in the Mediterranean, with the males growing up to 18 metres in length. Sperm whales can often be observed throughout the Mediterranean, with their preferred habitats being deep sea canyons.

The flukes of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) lifted high into the air preparing for a deep dive. It is the largest toothed cetacean present in the Mediterranean, with the males growing up to 18 metres in length. Sperm whales can often be observed throughout the Mediterranean, with their preferred habitats being deep sea canyons.

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)

The loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta)

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba)

KAI volunteers

KAI volunteers

Released turtle.

Released turtle.

Members of the KAI team assisting a turtle in distress.

Members of the KAI team assisting a turtle in distress.

Members of the KAI team release a rescue turtle.

Members of the KAI team release a rescue turtle.

Bottlenose dolphin

Bottlenose dolphin

Tursiops truncatus, commonly known as the common bottlenose dolphin

Tursiops truncatus, commonly known as the common bottlenose dolphin