Team Leaders make sure that the survey is performed in compliance with the MMPA (Marine Mammal Protection Act) and NOAA-NMFS guidance. They coordinate the arrival time and location and boat information with the Skipper and contact their teams with information about the survey. They download the required number of survey forms for their kit from the website and make sure that all of the necessary forms are available for the survey team. They also make sure that the team completes the survey forms accurately

The MMPA has a number of requirements that the Team Leaders are familiar with. These include things like making sure that the survey boat keeps a distance of 50 yards from dolphins whenever possible; that the boat does not turn and follow the dolphins. For more information on these requirements, go to the RESEARCH page.

The Team Leader records the dolphin sighting information on the Event Sheet. The Assistant Team Leader may also complete the Event Sheets under the guidance of the Team Leader.

At the end of the survey, the Team Leader also collects the memory card from the Photographer. All the data are then sent to DATA REVIEW for processing. Then the viable data and photos are sent to Duke University.

ASSISTANT Team Leaders Assistant Team Leaders attend TDP Training Workshop. On the survey, they serve as dolphin observers and assist the Team Leader and other team members. After participating in two or more surveys, they may become Team Leaders.