Research

researchstripTheater of the Sea supports, encourages, and will consider participating in or donating to scientific research which:

  • is congruous with the overall goals of the facility and would be conducted in a manner consistent with Theater of the Sea Animal Care and Training Philosophy
  • contributes to the present body of knowledge about marine animal biology, physiology, reproduction, behavior, husbandry, and conservation
  • ultimately benefits the understanding of the animals in the facility collection, in the marine animal community, and in the wild
  • is of value to science in general

Priority is given to research that promotes species survival plans to sustain biological diversity of marine animals and augments the efforts of international studbook and breeding management programs.

Consideration is also given to the availability of facility animals, staff and funding as well as to the invasiveness of the research.

Theater of the Sea recognizes the need to facilitate coordinated research and to communicate the results and will provide the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums with a summary of published and ongoing projects for the benefit of its members.

“Ovarian follicular dynamics during the luteinizing hormone surge in the bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus)”
Holley Muraco, Pat Clough, Valerie Teets, Dennis Arn, and Mike Muraco
International Journal of Comparative Psychology 2010, Volume 23, Number 4

“Facilities Noise Measurement Report:Noise Characterization of Dolphin Habitats”
Dorian S. Houser, Ph.D.,Director of Biological and Bioacoustical Sciences, National Marine Mammal Foundation 2010

“Epidemiological Survey of Cataracts and Lens Luxations in Captive Pinnipeds in the United States and the Bahamas”
C.M.H. Colitz, W.J.A. Saville, M.S. Renner, J.F. McBain, T.H. Reidarson, T.L. Schmitt, E. C. Nolan, S.J. Dugan, F. Knightly, M.M. Rodriguez, J.C. Mejia-Fava, S.D. Osborn, P.L. Clough, S.P. Collins, B.A. Osborn, K.B. Terrell.
Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Assocation 2010, 234(4):429-

“Use of Rebound Tonometry as a Diagnostic Tool to Diagnose Glaucoma in the Captive California Sea Lion”
Johanna C. Mejia1,2; Elizabeth M. Hoffman3; Carmen M.H. Colitz4,5; Skip W. Jack1; Lora Ballweber6; Maya Rodriguez2; Michael S. Renner2; Todd Schmitt7; Leslie M. Dalton8; Steve Osborn8; Scott A. Gearhart9; Lara A. Croft9; Christopher Dold9; Allison D. Tuttle10; Tracy A. Romano10; Connie L. Clemons-Chevis11.
Presented at the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine conference 2009