The Gephyreus Project is dedicated to the conservation of the critically endangered Lahille's dolphin (Tursiops gephyreus). Since its founding, it has been supported by YAQU PACHA, the Nuremberg Zoo, Zoomarine Portugal, the Duisburg Zoo, Rancho Texas, and the Heidelberg Zoo. The goal is to strengthen international cooperation and implement effective conservation measures.
A milestone was the launch of the official website www.gephyreus.org, which brings together scientific findings, the latest news, and events, thereby promoting transparency and public engagement. Another highlight was the documentary film“Garbo,”which showcases the unique collaboration between fishermen and dolphins in Laguna and highlights the importance of local long-term research.
The Gephyreus Network played a crucial role in the adoption of a trilateral Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for the Lahille dolphin by the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay are participating in this effort. The plan is based on four strategic pillars:
• Research
• Risk mitigation
• Monitoring
• Public outreach & capacity building
A total of 24 conservation measures were established, seven of which are considered top priority. At the same time, the network is working on a reassessment of the IUCN Red List status and on a proposal for a Concerted Action under the CMS Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species.
Significant progress was also made in field research:
• In southern Brazil, researchers visited four fishing villages and interviewed 60 fishermen about bycatch risks and fishery dynamics.
• Over 3,000 people were reached through training sessions, school projects, and public events.
• Citizen science programs in Brazil (e.g., Araranguá, Tramandaí River) and Uruguay are involving the public more closely in conservation efforts.
Coordinated photo-identification surveys at more than ten locations in Brazil and Uruguay, as well as the resumption of research in Bahía San Antonio (Argentina), yielded valuable data—including 60,000 dorsal fin photos and 15 biopsies for contaminant analysis. A complete population estimate is expected by 2026.
A new research project has also been launched to study skin changes in Lahille dolphins in Laguna and the Patos Lagoon. In light of increasing health risks, the project is developing a comprehensive dolphin health program.
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA:
“The Lahille dolphin (Tursiops gephyreus) is one of the most endangered dolphin species in the world. Through Project Gephyreus, we are also implementing the IUCN One Plan Approach, which combines conservation measures in the field with collaborations with zoological institutions. Only by working together can we ensure the long-term survival of this species.”
