Dolphin Communication Project
The Dolphin Communication Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 that researches dolphin acoustics and behavior using proprietary MVA and ECD tools, and delivers education programs to students, teachers, and the general public through field courses, webinars, films, and classroom sponsorships.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersPort Saint Lucie, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Dolphin Communication Project does
The Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 by Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski and headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida. DCP conducts long-term research on dolphin acoustics and behavior and translates that research into educational programming for students, teachers, and the general public. The organization operates with a small staff of 1-10 (predominantly volunteer-driven) across field sites in the USA, Bahamas, Honduras, Japan, and Germany, and maintains an active research collaboration with Zoo Duisburg in Germany and Loro Parque in Spain.
DCP's technical platform centers on two proprietary tools: the Mobile Video/Acoustic System (MVA) for synchronized underwater video and audio capture, and the Echolocation Click Detector (ECD) for recording and isolating dolphin echolocation signals. Analytical work is grounded in established behavioral methods (focal animal follows, all-occurrence documentation) and has produced 100+ peer-reviewed publications. Outputs are delivered through peer-reviewed journals, university field courses (Sacred Heart, Eastern Kentucky), classroom adoption sponsorships priced at $125-$250 per classroom, a podcast, YouTube content, webinars, ecotours, and the upcoming "Appreciating Killer Whales" film.
DCP's revenue model is diversified across individual donations, foundation grants (Loro Parque Fundación, Chatten S. Hayes Fund, DiverMojo Foundation, BetterWorld Trust), adopt-a-dolphin sponsorships, memberships, merchandise, ecotour fees, and classroom sponsorships. The combination of small-scale, multi-channel fundraising and volunteer-driven operations places DCP firmly in the small nonprofit category, with growth dependent on grant pipeline, content monetization, and continued university and aquarium partnerships.
Dolphin Communication Project firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Dolphin Communication Project
- Legal name
- Dolphin Communication Project
- Website
- https://dolphincommunicationproject.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- The Dolphin Communication Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2000 that researches dolphin acoustics and behavior using proprietary MVA and ECD tools, and delivers education programs to students, teachers, and the general public through field courses, webinars, films, and classroom sponsorships.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Dolphin Communication Project industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Marine Research and Conservation Education
- NAICS
- Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190)
- SIC
- Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking) (THAAAEAD)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks) (THAAAIAH), Whale Watching & Marine Mammal Tours (THAAAIAC)
Keywords
Where Dolphin Communication Project is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Port Saint Lucie
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
Dolphin Communication Project business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations & Individual Contributions: DCP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit relying on public support. One-time and monthly donations are accepted. Donors can check with employers about matching programs.
- Membership Program: Annual membership program offering ongoing support with associated benefits.
- Adopt-a-Dolphin Program: Patron-level adoption program for supporters to symbolically adopt individual dolphins.
- Ecotours: Paid ecotour programs to Roatan, Honduras (Anthony's Key Resort/RIMS) and Bimini, The Bahamas, allowing participants to join DCP scientists during dolphin observation trips. Bimini program is currently suspended.
- College Field Courses: University-level field courses held at Bimini and Roatan, typically coordinated with Sacred Heart University and Eastern Kentucky University.
- Classroom Sponsorship Programs: Sponsorship programs bringing DCP scientists into classrooms via virtual visits and educational materials. Offered in print ($250) and electronic ($125) versions.
- Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate sponsorship program; interested parties email [email protected]. Current corporate sponsors include Stream2Sea with affiliate commission (coupon code dolphincomm).
- Grants & Foundation Support: Grant funding from Loro Parque Fundación, Chatten S. Hayes Fund of Oregon Community Foundation (2025), DiverMojo Foundation (2024-2026), and The BetterWorld Trust (2026). DCP is a 1% for the Planet nonprofit partner.
- Online Shop (Dolphin Protector Kits): E-commerce shop selling Protector/Traveler kits and merchandise through dolphincommunicationproject.square.site.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Print Version Classroom Sponsorship |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Electronic Version Classroom Sponsorship |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels9 records
Dolphin Communication Project product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Dolphin Communication Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conducts long-term observational research on dolphin communication, behavior, and cognition across wild and captive populations, using proprietary tools such as the Mobile Video/Acoustic System (MVA) and the Echolocation Click Detector (ECD). It translates that research into educational products and programs including a podcast (The Dolphin Pod), free webinars, kids' science activities, classroom sponsorships, college field courses, and ecotours. It also sustains its work through donations, memberships, adopt-a-dolphin sponsorships, grants, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Product overview
Dolphin Communication Project (DCP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that operates as a research and education entity rather than a traditional product company. DCP's offerings center on scientific research into dolphin behavior, communication, and cognition, with educational programming that includes: The Dolphin Pod podcast, webinar series (DCP Deep Dives and Dolphin Lessons), Kids Science Activities, Roatan Ecotours, and College Field Courses. Additional offerings include the Sponsor a Classroom Program, Dolphin Protector Kits merchandise, Adopt-a-Dolphin Program, and Membership Program. The organization produces peer-reviewed scientific publications, white papers, books, and educational infographics. Core research uses the MVA (Mobile Video/Acoustic System) for simultaneous underwater video and audio recording of dolphin behavior and vocalizations.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- The Dolphin Pod Podcast Family-friendly podcast hosted by Dr. Justin Gregg and Laura Teasdale featuring interviews with scientists and experts about dolphin science, behavior, and conservation. Episodes cover topics such as dolphin cognition, communication research, and marine conservation issues.
- Webinar Series (DCP Deep Dives & Dolphin Lessons) Free educational webinar programs, including 'DCP Dives Deep into...' (ages 14+) covering in-depth research topics such as killer whale behavior, pair swimming positions, and reading studies in cetaceans and sea lions, and 'DCP Dolphin Lessons' (ages 6-13) for younger audiences. Webinars are also available on YouTube.
- Kids Science Activities Free downloadable STEAM activities including worksheets on dolphin anatomy, photo-identification, echolocation, signature sounds, hunting behavior, coloring pages, word searches, crosswords, bingo, and Venn diagrams designed for elementary students and families.
- Roatan Ecotours Guided research-focused ecotours to the Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS) in Honduras, led by DCP Director Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski. Participants observe and learn about captive bottlenose dolphins while contributing to ongoing research data collection. The Bimini ecotour program is currently suspended.
- College Field Courses University-level field courses offered in collaboration with university partners, including Animal Behavior and Cetacean Ecology programs conducted at field sites in Bimini, The Bahamas and Roatan, Honduras.
- Sponsor a Classroom Program Classroom sponsorship that connects classrooms with DCP scientists through virtual lessons. Available in Print Version ($250) including a USB drive with materials and 30 info booklets, or Electronic Version ($125) with digital resources and a 45-minute virtual scientist session.
- Dolphin Protector Kits Protector Traveler Kits available for purchase through DCP's online store, supporting dolphin conservation efforts and providing educational materials about dolphins.
- Adopt-a-Dolphin Program Virtual adoption program allowing supporters to symbolically adopt individual dolphins, with options for regular and patron-level adoption, supporting DCP's ongoing research and conservation efforts.
- Annual Membership Program Annual membership program providing supporters with benefits while contributing to DCP's scientific research and education programs for all ages.
Quantifiable outcome
- DCP documented over 3,000 pectoral fin contacts between dolphins at RIMS over an 11-year period, confirming that tactile contact exchange is consistent across wild and captive settings.
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Dolphin Communication Project
Customer profileNamed customers3 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Dolphin Communication Project technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability4 records
Feature6 records
Dolphin Communication Project partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
17 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- 1% for the PlanetminorDCP is a 1% for the Planet nonprofit partner, receiving exposure through the environmental giving network.
- Roatan Institute for Marine Sciences (RIMS)coreLocated at Anthony's Key Resort, Roatan, Honduras. Home to ~18 common bottlenose dolphins. DCP has conducted research here since 2002, with up to 8 weeks/year of observation. RIMS dolphins provide a unique opportunity to compare captive and wild dolphin behavior. DCP leads university field courses here.
- Dolphin Encounters at Blue Lagoon IslandcoreLocation in Nassau, The Bahamas. DCP conducted research on common bottlenose dolphins from 2004-2019, studying bubble production as visual signals and whistle types. SM2M passive acoustic recorders deployed at the facility.
- Zoo DuisburgcoreZoo in Duisburg, Germany. DCP's first study of dolphins in a man-made pool environment (since 2012), examining nine common bottlenose dolphins. Added third category of habitat type (man-made pool) to DCP's comparative research framework.
- Bimini UnderseacoreDCP collaborated with Bimini Undersea to launch systematic studies of Atlantic spotted dolphins off Bimini, The Bahamas in 2001.
- SeaWorldcoreResearch collaborator on killer whale studies. DCP has published on killer whale innovation, association networks, and social behavior using SeaWorld data.
- Sacred Heart University at BiminicoreUniversity partner for DCP's field courses held on Bimini, The Bahamas. Co-authored publications on dolphin near-shore sightings and demographics.
- Eastern Kentucky UniversityminorUniversity partner collaborating with DCP on research and field course programs.
- NausicaáminorFrench aquarium and marine education center, listed as a partner institution of DCP.
- Anthony's Key ResortcoreResort in Roatan, Honduras, home to RIMS. DCP's primary field site since 2002, offering accommodation and logistical support for researchers and ecotour participants.
- MacGillivray Freeman FilmscoreFilm production company that created the IMAX film DOLPHINS (Academy Award nominated), in which DCP Director Dr. Kathleen Dudzinski starred. The film was a major platform for public engagement with dolphin science.
- John Anderson / Terramar ProductionsminorDirector of Terramar Productions and long-time collaborator. Created the celebratory film for DCP's 20th anniversary. Board member of DCP.
- Mai Sakai and Tadamichi MorisakaminorResearch collaborators in Japan, continuing collaboration with DCP's Mikura Island research archive and future studies.
- Justin Gregg, Ph.D.coreSenior Research Associate and DCP Vice President. Joined DCP in 2005, focusing on echolocation and echoic eavesdropping. Developed unique methods for examining head angles between dolphin pairs. Host of The Dolphin Pod.
- Nicole Danaher-Garcia, PhDcoreResearch Associate who was a DCP summer intern in 2003, utilized Bimini field site for doctoral work, and published landmark paper on partial merger of two dolphin societies (covered by Science, NYT, Newsweek).
- Kelly Melillo SweetingcoreResearch Associate and Bimini Research Manager, managed DCP Bimini field site and all dolphin studies conducted from Bimini through 2020. Co-authored multiple publications. DCP Secretary and Board Member.
- Manon Themelin, M.Sc.coreCollaborator studying relationship quality, pair swimming positions, and killer whale behavior. Co-authored multiple peer-reviewed publications.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Dolphin Communication Project competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Clearwater Marine Aquarium: Florida-based marine education and rehabilitation facility — regionally adjacent to DCP's Florida headquarters with overlapping marine-education audience and grant pool.
Direct peers
- Oceanic Society: Non-profit running paid marine citizen-science expeditions (whale watching, reef monitoring) — matches DCP's combination of ecotourism revenue, citizen science and conservation education.
- Wild Dolphin Project: Long-running non-profit conducting longitudinal research on Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas with a citizen-science and education mission — virtually the same niche as DCP and DCP's closest direct comparable.
- Dolphin Research Center: Florida-based non-profit focused on dolphin cognition, behavior and marine education using resident dolphins — overlaps directly with DCP on captive dolphin research, education programming and the Dr. Keys-style public engagement model.
- Earthwatch Institute: Global non-profit that sells paid citizen-science expeditions to the public — the same GTM motion DCP uses for its ecotours and college field courses.
Broad incumbents
- Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution: Premier marine science research and education institution; comparable on the ocean science / public outreach axis but at vastly larger institutional scale.
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center: Marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and education non-profit — overlaps with DCP on marine-mammal science communication and youth education programming.
- Whale and Dolphin Conservation: International cetacean-focused NGO that combines advocacy, research and public engagement — comparable to DCP on mission and education, but operates at a global policy scale rather than a single research niche.
- Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium: Larger marine research and education institution in Florida operating its own aquarium and programs; overlaps on cetacean / marine mammal research and education but at much broader organizational scale.
Others
- MacGillivray Freeman Films: IMAX production partner that produced the Academy Award-nominated DOLPHINS film featuring DCP's founder — a content / distribution collaborator rather than a competitor, but materially relevant as a model for science-media partnerships.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Dolphin Communication Project social profiles
Digital presenceDolphin Communication Project compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance2 records
Dolphin Communication Project financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Dolphin Communication Project leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Dolphin Communication Project funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Dolphin Communication Project M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Dolphin Communication Project
What does Dolphin Communication Project do?
Dolphin Communication Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that conducts long-term observational research on dolphin communication, behavior, and cognition across wild and captive populations, using proprietary tools such as the Mobile Video/Acoustic System (MVA) and the Echolocation Click Detector (ECD). It translates that research into educational products and programs including a podcast (The Dolphin Pod), free webinars, kids' science activities, classroom sponsorships, college field courses, and ecotours. It also sustains its work through donations, memberships, adopt-a-dolphin sponsorships, grants, corporate sponsorships, and merchandise sales.
Is Dolphin Communication Project a public or private company?
Dolphin Communication Project is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Dolphin Communication Project founded?
Dolphin Communication Project was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Dolphin Communication Project based?
Dolphin Communication Project is headquartered in Port Saint Lucie, United States, in the North America region.
How does Dolphin Communication Project make money?
Nine revenue lines are on record. Donations & Individual Contributions are the primary driver. The others are membership Program, adopt-a-Dolphin Program, ecotours, college Field Courses, classroom Sponsorship Programs, corporate Sponsorships, grants & Foundation Support and online Shop (Dolphin Protector Kits).
Who are Dolphin Communication Project's main competitors?
Clearwater Marine Aquarium is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Oceanic Society, Wild Dolphin Project, Dolphin Research Center and Earthwatch Institute. Broad incumbents are Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Pacific Marine Mammal Center, Whale and Dolphin Conservation and Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. MacGillivray Freeman Films is listed as an others.
Does Dolphin Communication Project have an API?
No public API is recorded for Dolphin Communication Project.
What industry is Dolphin Communication Project in?
Dolphin Communication Project's product category is Marine Research and Conservation Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THAAAEAD, Marine Wildlife & Coastal Nature Tours (Whale/Dolphin Watching, Sea Kayaking), with a secondary code of THAAAIAH, Marine Conservation & Citizen-Science Experiences (reef monitoring, turtle walks). Its NAICS code is 712190 and its SIC code is 7900.