Researchers from the Blue World Institute and the Croatian Natural History Museum Tag the First Bottlenose Dolphin with a Satellite Transmitter in the Adriatic Sea
Bottlenose Dolphin Vinko Tagged with a Satellite Transmitter in the Adriatic
For the first time in the Adriatic Sea, researchers from the Blue World Institute and the Croatian Natural History Museum have tagged a bottlenose dolphin with a satellite transmitter. On June 15, 2025, a well-known male dolphin from the Lošinj archipelago, Vinko, was tagged near Veli Lošinj.
“Bottlenose dolphin Vinko was born in 2015, and his mother is the well-known dolphin Vinka. We first encountered him in 2016, when he playfully leapt alongside our research vessel,” said Jeroen Hofs from the Blue World Institute.
Vinko is easily recognizable by his hook-shaped dorsal fin. During the tagging procedure, he was observed in a group of seven dolphins and was especially playful with a young female known as Luca’s20.
Following the attachment of the transmitter, the first signal was successfully received. Grgur Pleslić from the Blue World Institute emphasized that Vinko behaved completely normally after the procedure and expressed hope that the study will provide valuable scientific data.
Satellite Telemetry in the Adriatic
The Blue World Institute has been conducting the Adriatic Dolphin Project for more than 35 years. Although photo-identification provides extensive information, it cannot reveal detailed movement patterns or habitat use in the way satellite telemetry can.
Assoc. Prof. Draško Holcer from the Croatian Natural History Museum explained that the study will provide better insight into nocturnal behaviour, feeding patterns, and interactions with fisheries.
Latest Field Updates
On June 17, 2025, Vinko was located again in the Velebit Channel. He was swimming alongside the research vessel and was observed in a group of 11 dolphins. The transmitter remained in good condition.
Public Invitation to Participate
If you spot Vinko or other dolphins at sea, please send photographs or videos together with the exact time and location of the sighting:
App: Marine Ranger
Email: info@plavi-svijet.org
Facebook: Plavi svijet
An example of a sighting from May 2024 can be viewed here.
What Is a Satellite Transmitter?
The device used is a LIMPET transmitter, which is minimally invasively attached to the dolphin’s dorsal fin. It transmits data via the Argos satellite system whenever the fin surfaces above the sea.
The transmitter remains attached for approximately 15–30 days before naturally detaching on its own.
Partners and Support
The research was made possible through the support of the CIMA Research Foundation and ISPRA, with approval from the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Green Transition of the Republic of Croatia.