Gephyreus Project

Educate to Conserve

Our commitment goes beyond science, engaging communities in actions that make a difference.

Join us!

Your contribution is essential to save Lahille's bottlenose dolphin and protect our ecosystem. Be part of this cause and help shape the future of conservation.

Gephyreus Project

We are an international conservation initiative started in 2018, dedicated to reversing the critical conservation status of the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops gephyreus) and its habitat.

Agustin Baraschi

Pedro Fruet

Paulo Flores

Meet the Species

Lahille's bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus gephyreus or Tursiops gephyreus), also known as bottlenose dolphin, mullet dolphin, or fishing dolphin, is a dolphin species from the Delphinidae family. It is found exclusively in shallow waters along the Atlantic coast of South America (from Brazil to Uruguay and Argentina).

Projeto Gephyreus

Where Are the Dolphins?

At the Gephyreus Project, we monitor 10 study areas:

In Brazil: the coastal areas of Itajaí and Florianópolis (Baía Norte), the Laguna estuary, the mouths of the Araranguá, Mampituba, and Tramandaí rivers, and the estuarine and coastal areas of Lagoa dos Patos.

In Uruguay: coastal areas between La Coronilla and La Paloma/Cabo Polonio.

In Argentina: areas between Bahía Blanca and Bahía de San Antonio.

News

Whitley Fund for Nature

06/02/2025

Biologist Pedro Fruet receives funding from the Whitley Fund for Nature to expand conservation efforts for Lahille's bottlenose dolphin

With support from the UK-based Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN), the co-founder of Kaosa will expand efforts to reverse the critical conservation status of Lahille's bottlenose dolphin, strengthening community involvement and the project's activities in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.

Letícia Teloken

05/02/2025

Botos da Barra Project Celebrates 13 Years of Preserving Cooperative Fishing

A member of the Gephyreus network, the initiative protects the collaboration between Lahille’s bottlenose dolphins and artisanal fishers in Tramandaí

Lauro Alves / Agencia RBS

20/01/2025

Lahille’s dolphin, an endangered species, found dead on Tramandaí beach

A rare animal, symbolizing the biodiversity of the southern coast, was found stranded on the shore.

Pescador pescando em conjunto com um boto-de-Lahille

Ignacio Moreno

20/01/2025

Dolphins helping fishermen in southern Brazil recognized as a species and listed as endangered

Scientific recognition highlights the need to preserve these rare dolphins that collaborate with artisanal fishing.

Pedro Fruet

15/01/2025

International Workshop Brings Together Scientists and Governments to Develop the Conservation and Management Plan for Lahille's Dolphin

Document Drafted After Discussions Will Be Presented to the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission in May 2024

Créditos da Imagem

15/01/2025

Lahille's Dolphin is Highlighted in the New Brazilian Passport

The new document highlights Brazil's biodiversity by including Lahille's dolphin, emphasizing the importance of environmental preservation.

Pedro Fruet

Campaigns

Extinction is forever, but you can help now.

Make a difference. Act for Lahille's bottlenose dolphins today and help save this species from extinction.

We have selected three priority projects from our 5-year Action Plan for you to contribute to. Learn more about these projects below and support the conservation of Lahille's bottlenose dolphins in South America.

Action Plan

Rodrigo Genoves

Mapping the Distribution and Hotspots of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphins in Southern Brazil and Uruguay

Photo-identification studies conducted in specific coastal areas suggest that the Lahille's bottlenose dolphin subpopulation in southern Brazil and Uruguay does not exceed 400 individuals. Incredible, isn’t it?

Sebastião Leal

Abundance and Connectivity of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin in Two Areas of Argentina

This subproject aims to conduct field trips for photo-identification in two critical areas for the species in Argentina.

Ignacio Moreno

Using Citizen Science to Promote the Conservation of Lahille's Bottlenose Dolphin in Partnership with Local Communities

This subproject aims to strengthen community involvement in the conservation of Lahille's bottlenose dolphin by using a citizen science approach combined with information campaigns.

Gallery

Ignacio Moreno

Letícia Teloken

Ignacio Moreno

Rodrigo Genoves

Ignacio Moreno

Letícia Teloken

Ignacio Moreno

Rodrigo Genoves