Lameroo Schools on Dolphin Watch on KI Marine Adventures at North Cape, Kangaroo Island

For unusual elements of Dolphin Watch there is probably nothing quite like the involvement of the students from Lameroo Schools in the Mallee region close to the South Australian – Victorian border. On their annual visit to Kangaroo Island these students from an inland farming district participate in field surveys to help collect data for the KI ID catalogue. For some students this is their first time on a boat, for others their first time at sea and for all it is a fantastic and fascinating experience. Their efforts at collecting data and images are always first rate and help immensely in overall research effort.

Over the 5 years of involvement, Lameroo teacher Maureen Steinborner has experienced it all, from mirror glass conditions to drenching rain, high winds and sloppy seas and the seasickness that invariably eventuates. The efforts of the students were highlighted in an Advertiser Newspaper article written by Education Now Editor Martina Simos last year following their visit. The innovative approach to Science education which Dolphin Watch provides had piqued her interest and it continues to arouse interest as a means of engaging students in this area of the curriculum in many educational sectors. Dolphin Watch stalwart KI Marine Adventures skipper Andrew Neighbour went out of his way, as in past years, to provide an exciting experience, demonstrating Hamilton stops and other thrilling manoeuvres with “Island Explorer”. Pete Nash, a professional photographer and long term Dolphin Watch volunteer, explained the unobtrusive techniques employed by Dolphin Watch, outlined the strategies involved in collecting data to the group and helped them refine their photographic capabilities. The group of students and accompanying adults, 24 in all, requiring use of a backup crayboat provided once again by local crayfisher Phil Robinson, was rewarded amply for their determined efforts with over 20 dolphins frolicking around the boat for an extended period.

Our grateful thanks once again to the Lameroo Schools and to all involved for their invaluable input to our research effort.