John Pirie High School students at work

A highly successful WDCS POD Watch road trip was undertaken to the Upper Spencer Gulf region during August. New Coast and Marine Teacher at Whyalla High School, Reshniel Chandra showed enormous enthusiasm and commitment to the programme. Supported by funding from One Steel and the Eyre Peninsula NRM, this is a project with considerable potential for continuing impact in this very important area. Issues regarding development, with potential impacts upon the Giant Cuttlefish breeding area at Pt Lowly and surrounding environments plus dolphin feeding in the Whyalla marina, continue to be central to considerations for ongoing educational programmes. Port Augusta Secondary School undertook its second expedition with enthusiastic teacher Jaya Nair in a series of ongoing field surveys, brilliantly supported by Aaron Morgan of Flinders Ranges Water Cruises and in spite of an extensive search of the survey areas, only two dolphins; Joy and calf Joseph were observed. At Port Pirie John Pirie High School students with long term POD Watch teacher Tegan Whittard surveyed Ward Spit yielding outstanding results with over 17 animals observed and recorded, including a number of catalogued animals. A brilliant result coordinated by skipper Kevin Pallant to show a new group of students what the area actually provides, but sadly the second boat normally skippered by Trevor Thomas was unavailable due to his poor health – a huge loss in observation potential and local knowledge. All the best for a return to good health to Trevor and special thanks for his invaluable input.