“The Citizen Science Fund was created to harness the power of South Australians who are enthusiastic about nature and want to contribute to the knowledge we collectively have about environmental conditions, as well as encouraging and valuing people’s engagement with their local environment. I hope that this financial contribution to your project will support positive outcomes both for the project participants and our environment, and I wish you every success in the implementation of your Citizen Science project.”
Hon. Susan Close – Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water
In June 2023 we were delighted to receive confirmation of a successful Environmental Citizen Science Small Grant of $15,000 spread over 3 years from the Citizen Science Fund – “Informing Conservation through Citizen Science Data Collection”,
We have reviewed and acquitted this fantastic funding and we can undoubtedly confirm that it has been a wonderful support – an injection of funds to support and maintain research effort over 3 years, supplement our equipment upgrade and improve the quality of our data for which we are truly grateful!
Thanks to the SA Government for the DEW Citizen Science Fund www.environment.sa.gov.au we have been able to continue our longitudinal volunteer Citizen Science research effort undertaking further data collection on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au and The Big Duck Boat Tours, Victor Harbor www.thebigduck.com.au, regarding the dolphin populations in our region with fantastic results.
This has expanded our understandings of dolphin movements and behaviours and contributed to confirming areas of critical habitat and the migratory pathways linking these. The biological genetic diversity implications of these movements are vital for sustainability of these population groups.
Consolidation of understandings around non seasonal breeding has also confirmed the need for greater protections to ensure the maintenance and sustainability of these population groups.
Into our 21st year we continue to develop understandings of custodianship of these fascinating creatures and their habitats through unobtrusive monitoring, minimising impacts and behavioural change and collecting vital baseline data to globally inform practise.
255 monthly Citizen Science surveys on Kangaroo Island and 171 surveys in Victor Harbor totalling 426 in our region, have been completed to date, working around weather issues and vessel availability. A staggering number of hours of land-based monitoring plus ongoing community data input supplement our boat-based surveys.
Dolphin movements, patterns, behaviours and preferred habitat are fundamental elements in conservation and protection of dolphins about which very little is known. Dolphins as a sentinel species, but with iconic status are an ideal vehicle to engage the community in scientific data collection with strong linkages to STEM programs, initiatives and pathways.
Our core business is conservation of dolphins and other cetaceans in our regional waters and indeed on a global scale, ongoing advocacy for marine fauna and continuing to seek and gain greater protection for dolphins and the habitats upon which they depend. Consolidating excellent collaborations with other Citizen Science groups in this conservation space is vital.
Maintaining regular workshops at the Ozone Hotel, Kingscote www.ozonehotelki.com.au and SA Whale Centre / Victor Harbor Visitors Centre www.sawhalecentre.com.au www.visitvictorharbor.com focuses on data analysis and recording plus ongoing community education and awareness raising…all significant benefits, to the community and the dolphins!
Our grateful thanks for the wonderful financial support for Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch over 3 years.
It has truly been a game changer, thankyou!
Volunteers, scientists and dolphins………a magical mix.
#THANKYOU #citizenscience #support #dolphinwatch #rightsofnature
Time to celebrate!!