ACE group preparing to launch May 20th 2011
An exciting ACE Dolphin Watch semester programme funded by a 2011 Adult Community Education Foundation Skills Grant organised by Regional Development Australia –Adelaide Hills, Fleurieu and Kangaroo Island, kicked off on Friday 20th May in quite difficult conditions. With a 10 – 15 knot North Easterly blowing and overcast skies, visibility was limited. Success came incrementally with firstly a female and juvenile appearing off North Cape. They were joined shortly afterwards by two more adult dolphins and following a trip around the cape to visit the New Zealand fur seal colony, the pod gradually grew to eleven in size, including five juveniles.
Excellent photographic images proved a sound basis for a successful downloading workshop with confirmed sightings of known dolphins and new ID’s, at the TAFE Centre in Kingscote on return. A scrumptious lunch from Country Cottage organised by Cathie Tydeman; RDA Project Development Officer and driving force for this innovative programme, was a welcome reward on a day when chilly conditions made research that little bit more uncomfortable.
A great day none the less, thanks to all participants for their fantastic work, cooperation and good humour throughout.