The Ionian Dolphin Project established by Tethys Research Institute aims to ensure the long-term viability of dolphin species that live in coastal waters of the eastern Ionian Sea.

The population of common dolphins decreased dramatically -from 150 to 15 animals between 1995 and 2007 in the Inner Ionian Sea archipelago- while only 100 bottlenose dolphins have been recorded in the Amvrakikos Gulf.

In an effort to reverse the situation, the Ionian Dolphin Project has produced a simple but comprehensive species guide so that people can recognise them, along with a special webpage where people can report a dolphin sighting in the Ionian Sea. The project also features a Be Dolphin SMART guide, targeting recreational boaters who sail in the area and may disrupt the local cetacean populations.