MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research was founded in September 2016 by Dr. Aylin Akkaya as a project site of DMAD – Marine Mammals Research Association. What began as a small research initiative in southern Montenegro quickly grew in scope, and by 2017 the project was actively working along the entire Montenegrin coastline.
In 2021, MDR became an independent non-governmental organization dedicated to marine research and conservation across Montenegro. The organization has conducted comprehensive monitoring of cetaceans and marine ecosystems using a combination of land-based observations, boat surveys, and kayak surveys, allowing for a broad and inclusive approach to data collection.
Since 2024, MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research, now based in the coastal town of Krašići, has been actively involved in multiple Interreg IPA ADRION projects. Through these international collaborations, MDR contributes to regional research, conservation, and knowledge exchange efforts across the Adriatic–Ionian region. To learn more about these initiatives, please visit our Projects page.
Beyond research, MDR strongly believes in investing in the next generation of marine scientists and conservationists. The organization offers year-round internships, training opportunities, and workshops for students and early-career professionals, providing hands-on experience and mentorship in marine science. MDR is also committed to fostering inclusivity and actively works to empower women within the fields of research, conservation, and environmental leadership.
[Montenegrin]
MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research osnovan je u septembru 2016. godine od strane dr Aylin Akkaye kao projektna lokacija DMAD – Marine Mammals Research Association. Ono što je započelo kao mala istraživačka inicijativa na jugu Crne Gore, ubrzo je preraslo u projekat šireg obima, te je već 2017. godine MDR djelovao duž čitave crnogorske obale.
Od 2021. godine MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research funkcioniše kao samostalna nevladina organizacija posvećena istraživanju i zaštiti morskih sisara i morskog ekosistema na području cijele Crne Gore. Organizacija sprovodi sveobuhvatni monitoring kroz kombinaciju kopnenih, brodskih i kajak istraživanja, omogućavajući detaljno i pristupačno prikupljanje podataka.
Od 2024. godine MDR – Montenegro Dolphin Research, sa sjedištem u primorskom mjestu Krašići, aktivno učestvuje u više Interreg IPA ADRION projekata. Kroz ove međunarodne saradnje, MDR doprinosi regionalnim istraživačkim i zaštitnim inicijativama, kao i razmjeni znanja u Jadransko-jonskom regionu. Više informacija o ovim projektima možete pronaći na stranici Projekti.
Pored naučno-istraživačkog rada, MDR pridaje veliki značaj obrazovanju i razvoju budućih stručnjaka u oblasti zaštite prirode. Organizacija tokom cijele godine nudi prakse, edukativne programe i radionice za studente i mlade profesionalce, pružajući im praktično iskustvo i mentorsku podršku u oblasti morske nauke i zaštite prirode. MDR je takođe posvećen stvaranju inkluzivnog okruženja i aktivno radi na osnaživanju žena u oblasti istraživanja, zaštite prirode i ekološkog liderstva.
Creating an ecological consciousness through scientific research and outreach activities
MDR aims to generate scientific and public awareness on dolphin research and necessary conservation efforts within the coastal waters of Montenegro. This dedicated research effort is critical for the Southern Adriatic Sea and through local capacity building and stakeholder engagement, a positive change can be achieved.
Our goal
Montenegro Dolphin Research has one key goal, creating ecological consciousness, with a multidimensional approach of achieving it. MDR carries out vital research within a previously data-deficient region of the Southern Adriatic Sea with the aim of aiding in the development of management skills for healthy populations and ecosystems via effective conservation strategies. Meanwhile encouraging community engagement through public outreach and citizen science activities to drive positive change via society-involved activism. Measurable scientific outcomes are at the forefront of project success, within the last 7 years alone MDR has produced 13 scientific papers both through in-house research and international collaborative efforts, meanwhile hosting approximately 50 workshops, training over 200 students, and attending many national and international scientific conferences
Dedicated Conservation Projects
Different countries
Volunteers
Our dedicated team of researchers work tirelessly to help identify critical habitats, analyse behaviours, catalogue individuals and assess anthropogenic threats
We work across 5 different projects in 3 different countries and have trained more than a two hundred volunteers and interns to date to help build conservation capacities.
Aylin Akkaya
Phd Founder, Science Director
Kerim Akkaya
Chairman of the Board
Ceyda Özdemir
Biologist, Montenegro Dolphin Research Group Student Coordinator, Media and Social Media Designer
Atakan Dalkılıç
Biologist, Montenegro Dolphin Research Group Student Coordinator
Vuk Koljensic
Human Relations Specialist
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Gönülal
Consultant
Doğa Can Akkaya
Volunteer Researcher
Patrick Lyne
MMO / PAM Expert
I would without a doubt recommend DMAD to biological graduates and those who are seeking experience in conservation science. I have gained invaluable research skills having worked alongside respectable and dedicated scientists.
Romina Waller DMAD Intern