- Charlie at work
The Adult Community Education group had special help on the June 3rd field survey. Charlie, a Jack Russel, became the first four footed dolphin spotter on board, and what a fantastic boon he proved to be. The special affinity between dogs and dolphins was readily observed with Charlie showing a keen awareness of the dolphins’ presence when the human observers were still lagging. Once again a small group of 6 dolphins with a juvenile appeared near Fanny Rocks: GPS S 35◦37.857   E 137◦41.407 on the way to North Cape. A group of 12 including 4 juveniles appeared at North Cape, enjoying opportunistic feeding on garfish, together with Pied Cormorants. Watching dolphins pursuing the gar using a variety of approach postures, including upside down, made for a fascinating display.
News relayed regarding another Common Dolphin body washing ashore at Island Beach
displaying wound marks, was the only dampening influence on a cold but highly successful data collection survey. The ACE Foundation Skills Project participants continued to provide outstanding follow up data analysis, with their enthusiasm and hard work significantly energising and enriching research efforts.