Dolphin & Whale Research Boat Sank!
Hello Ocean Lovers! My name is Sierra Goodman and I have been researching dolphins, whales and other marine life here on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica for the last 20 years. This area is known as the most biologically intense place on Earth both on land and at sea. We have over 30 species of dolphins and whales that live here year round or pass through on migration and the longest Humpback Whale season in the world as we get migrations from both North and South America, something that happens no where else on the planet. And yet, this area is totally unprotected except for small areas around Corcovado Park and Caño Island, and even in those areas, there is no enforcement.
Because of my efforts and thousands of dollars of my own money, and the efforts of our marine biologists and volunteers over the years, our area is set to become a Marine Reserve (my biggest dream!) and a Whale Heritage Site in the next year. I have dedicated my life and savings to the conservation and preservation of this incredibly abundant marine wonderland.
Dolphin Rescue in Drake Bay, Costa Rica
Here's the problem: On Sunday, July 16th we woke up to find my research boat completely sunk, still tied to the mooring. Once we pulled it out and were able to examine it, we saw that the floor had been completely blown apart. The night before there was a wild and crazy lightening storm, very, very close to us. I watched as lightening struck a tree not more than 50 yards from me and I saw the sparks fly into the air. We believe that lightening struck very close to my boat and the power and pressure blew my floor apart. The same thing happened to another boat in the area.
You can see some of the extensive damage in the below photo.
Because of the extensive damage and the age of the boat, it is not worth it to fix it. This boat has brought great joy to thousands of people on our research and educational tours over the years and I am heartbroken. She served us very well though, and saw hundreds and hundreds of thousand dolphins and whales in her lifetime and is loved by thousands of humans. It is time to move forward and create new joyous memories and upgrade our research abilities. 
We need a new boat to continue our work to protect the marine life here on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica and provide educational research tours. Because of our hard work and research over the past 20 years, this area is about to become a protected Marine Reserve (we currently have a bill in the Costa Rican Congress!) and a Whale Heritage Site. Our research has led to numerous published scientific reports in various scientific publications. A new boat is essential to continue our important work to protect and conserve this amazing marine wonderland.
You can learn more about our quest to create the protected marine reserve on our MPA for OSA website.
The below photo is from the World Cetacean Alliance Newsletter announcing our candidacy as a Whale Heritage Site. 
**Donations of $500 or more receive a free dolphin and whale tour on our new boat, a $115 value. Donations of $1000 or more receive a full day private tour on our new boat, a $1200 value.**
On July 25, we encountered 4 Humpback whales; a mom, baby, escort and challenger. I was able to get clear fluke (tail) shots of one of the adults, a male. Part of our research work is photo ID. No two whale flukes are the same and it is how they are ID'd. I upload my whale fluke shots to the Happy Whale Catalog site where researchers around the world submit their fluke photos and the good people at Happy Whale match them up. Within an hour of submitting the below photo, Happy Whale got back to me with a match. This same whale was seen in Antarctica in 2007! It is amazing to be a part of chronicling the migration of the Humpbacks from Costa Rica to Antarctica, the longest known migration by a mammal.
To see other fluke shots of this whale in both Panama and Antarctica and his travel route, click HERE.
Here is a video of one of our many sea turtle rescues:
The following video is from our MPA for OSA Campaign and shows our work to create the protected marine area here on the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica:
I have spent thousands and thousands of dollars of my own money over the years to assure that the research that was needed to be done and now I need help to keep it all going. Because I closed my hotel in the area in order to completely focus on the conservation and research aspects of our work, I do not have the funds to buy a new boat. It is very difficult for me to request money in this way, but I need to continue my life's work to help the dolphins, whales and marine life of the Osa Peninsula. And your generosity can help me do it.
Thank you for anything that you can donate to the cause. Everything helps, even small donations. It all adds up! Be assured your hard earned money will be used to help protect and conserve the waters off the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica!
**Donations of $500 or more receive a free dolphin and whale tour on our new boat, a $115 value. Donations of $1000 or more receive a full day private tour on our new boat, a $1200 value.**
Oceans of Love to all.
Please help us protect this incredible Marine Wonderland! All photos and video are by me (Sierra Goodman) and taken on our Divine Dolphin research and educational tours. 
Check out our YouTube Channel for more of the incredible marine animals that inhabit the Osa Peninsula.
**Donations of $500 or more receive a free dolphin and whale tour on our new boat, a $115 value. Donations of $1000 or more receive a full day private tour on our new boat, a $1200 value.**
A super big thanks to all who have donated so far. Please help us to get the word out and keep our marine research and education alive!
