Research areas include communication, behavior and ecology of various marine mammal species. Current areas of focus include studies of signature whistles of free-ranging bottlenose dolphins, Tursiops truncatus, including studies of whistle stability, development, perception, and functions. In addition, studies of bottlenose dolphin population biology and social structure are being carried out by means of local boat-based photo-identification surveys. These data are being used to answer questions regarding movement patterns, residency, habitat use, association patterns and social structure of dolphins in the Wilmington area.