Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch’s National Science Week http://www.scienceweek.net.au offerings for 2025 were multifaceted kicking off with a Workshop Brain Break Quiz Morning Tea at the Aurora Ozone Hotel http://www.ozonehotelki.com.au on Kangaroo Island on August 8th.
The focus moved quickly to Victor Harbor with a community presentation “Why Whales (large and small) Matter” on August 12th at the welcoming Victor Harbor Visitors Centre / SA Whale Centre. http://www.sawhalecentre.com.au The presentation by Coordinator Tony Bartram saw the work of Dolphin Watch Citizen Science volunteers of all ages highlighted together with the increased knowledge their collective efforts had contributed to, then moved on to the actions of whale species generally and their roles in keeping our oceans healthy – a particularly poignant focus given the state of South Australia’s coastal ecosystems currently.
Ongoing threats to whales of all sizes were presented together with a case study of the successful bringing back to life of Monterey Bay in the USA as an example of what restorative efforts can achieve. The presentation culminated in the exploration of adopting the Cetacean Bill of Rights 2010 as a challenging but possible goal for meeting threats, providing great hope for the future. http://www.cetaceanrights.org
The research survey aboard The Big Duck Boat Tours on August 13th funded by an Environmental Citizen Science Small Grant 2023 / 2025, in unusually calm conditions allowed for fantastic observations of 6 Bottlenose dolphins at Yilki Reef / Wright Island followed by extensive observations of groups of Short-beaked Common dolphins energetically feeding further offshore. http://www.thebigduck.com.au
It was a special delight to welcome back long term volunteers Malinda Roberts from Fiji and Amber Everett returning from Queensland. Amber invited 4 key members of wonderful Shark Watch SA on board, opening the doors for very fruitful collaborative effort and support. http://www.sharkalertsa.com
This together with volunteer Samantha Carter’s algal bloom water sampling efforts, and Birdlife Australia volunteers conducting their regular shorebird surveys made for an extensive and highly productive survey. The tasty debrief luncheon at the Grosvenor Hotel gave opportunities for discussions around all aspects of collaborative research.
Two productive Open Workshops at the SA Whale Centre followed highlighting the data analysis process in action and how the images help to inform conservation efforts.
As always grateful thanks to our fantastic Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines and all the Citizen Scientists, plus the project’s wonderful sponsors and supporters, particularly The Big Duck who make it all happen!
#nationalscienceweek #inspiringaustralia #cetaceanrights #citizenscience #victorharbor #missionblue
#thankyou #love #gratitude
