On October 13th Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch were right back where we belong on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au on Survey 250 to North Cape, at the start of the magnificent Mission Blue Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot! www.missionblue.org
What an absolute joy to be back on the water after a protracted layoff due to variable weather, vessel engine upgrade, ongoing algal bloom plus…..a new knee, a new hip and recovering broken leg for key entities!
What a wonderful day it was with virtually no wind and glassy conditions.
5 Bottlenose dolphins appeared at 3 different locations, beginning near North Beacon followed by later sightings off North Cape itself.
To the delight of the small crew made necessary by the usage of KI Marine Adventures fantastic new long range vessel “Pablo” added to their fleet, on its 1st Kangaroo Island outing, later data analysis showed well known long term residents Two Notch and juvenile Yoshi and Ellisa and juvenile Mel, all in their favourite haunts. Very pleasing confirmations considering potential impacts of the algal bloom currently assailing South Australian waters.
Pablo performed brilliantly and provided an excellent platform for photographic identification work undertaken by the Citizen Scientists on board. Upon return to Shoal Bay the crew met for an enjoyable debrief lunch at Cactus Cafe www.cactuski.com.au followed by many hours of delightful ID work!
Our grateful thanks to our Superstar Skipper Andrew Neighbour and wonderful stalwart volunteers Kerryn Fricke, Fred Peters, John Holman, Mitchell Gould and crew Spec Collins.
Celebrating 250 KI surveys over 20 years!
Here’s to the next 20 and beyond.
Happy Days!
#citizenscience #dolphins #conservation #cetaceanrights #missionblue #kangarooisland #northcoast #hopespot #love #gratitude