The Centre for Cetacean Research (CEIC) – Costa Rica was founded in 2012, and developed from the original Whale and Dolphin Project in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica. The Project was founded in 2005 in collaboration with PROCMAR, the Marine and Coastal Science Master Program of the National University of Costa Rica (Universidad Nacionál – UNA).
Current research efforts focus on overall ecosystem health and the differences in habitat use of cetaceans outside the inner basin, specifically in shallow depths and transitional habitat near the Golfo Dulce entrance. The past five years of extensive sampling have produced over 400 records of different cetacean sightings, all organized in a database of 8 different species of cetaceans!
CEIC uses science to inform conservation efforts with current goals including the monitoring of coastal and oceanic cetaceans, particularly Spotted and Bottlenose dolphin populations and determining their role as indicators of marine biodiversity in Golfo Dulce and the Osa Peninsula.
CEIC advocates for sustainable development and seeks to inform tourists, local entrepreneurs, and operators in Golfo Dulce about current trends in biodiversity and sustainable practices.