One of the joys of non invasive longitudinal dolphin monitoring is being able to observe all nature of animals dealing with the difficulties they experience in their lives. The wonderful ways they adapt to these difficulties are absolutely inspiring and remind us of the very best of what life can offer. The similarities to the human condition with all its vagaries and differences is reflected on many levels in what happens with other species in nature.
This was illustrated perfectly on a number of surveys over many years with “Humpy” – a Bottlenose dolphin reappearing on a recent survey. First observed on our Citizen Science survey on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au in 2012, again in 2019 and again on Kangaroo Island Survey 244 in October 2024, as well as occasional sightings by Skipper Andrew Neighbour on KI Marine Adventures marine tours, Humpy has quite a pronounced hump in front of his/her dorsal fin.
Expert opinions, including our wonderful mentor Dr Mike Bossley AM suggest Humpy suffers from scoliosis – a spinal deformity which afflicts humans. Together with other spinal issues including kyphosis, lordosis and similar conditions, the ability of dolphins to deal with such difficulties is admirable indeed, so much so that labelling as a “disability” seems unnecessary.
What a delight and absolute privilege it was to be involved in the 8th Island Arks Symposium on Kangaroo Island last week. www.islandarkssymposium.com
The theme “‘Island Stewards: Caring for Land and Sea’was chosento recognise the role of land managers in supporting and developing our unique island lifestyles in a way that sustainably uses natural resources, whilst conserving and protecting the natural values that make each island unique. It seeks to highlight the relationship all island managers have as both users and protectors of an island’s resources.”
To be surrounded by 131 delegates representing 24 islands with keynote speakers and 30 presentations from around Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, all with their own fascinating stories of environmental stewardship, conservation and care was absolutely exhilarating and truly inspirational.
Three days of quality presentations opened with renowned Science educator Professor Christopher Daniels outlining the importance of islands supporting biological diversity and highlighted fascinating key note presentations; Tiahni Adamson – 2024 Young South Australian of the Year, Threatened Species Commissioner Dr Fiona Fraser, Kangaroo Island’s own mechanical engineer and innovator Dr Nick Berry of Seed Terminator, ocean and climate advocate Tishiko King from the Torres Straits, the Kaurna Firesticks Team – Quahli Newchurch, Clem Newchurch and Paul Dixon and NZ conservationist Jo Ritchie.
Our own presentation “Not Just An Island – Working towards global protection and conservation of dolphins and their habitat” was one of few dealing with the marine environment and well received.
Hosted by the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board the symposium was a truly uplifting experience for all involved and General Manager Will Durack, event coordinator Sarah Kemp and team and the Island Arks Committee produced an extraordinarily high quality program and brilliant associated activities and catering, for all involved to learn from and enjoy. These included the Field Trip focussing on the KI Feral Cat Program, and delightful entertainment and treats at the KI Brewery www.kibeer.com.au Event Dinner – talented KI Musicians, the Two Richards and captivating and moving Bowerbird Collective www.bowerbirdcollective.org. Such a treat!
Our hearty congratulations and well done to all concerned in this magical extravaganza and an enormous THANKYOU!
Department for Environment and Water Citizen Science Grant 2023 – 2025
“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
DEW Rangers joining Citizen Scientists heading out on KI Marine Adventures to Dashwood Bay
Late in June 2023 we were delighted to receive confirmation from the Hon. Susan Close of a successful Environmental Citizen Science Small Grant from the Citizen Science Fund of $15,000 spread over 3 years.
“Informing Conservation through Citizen Science Data Collection”
“Dolphin movements, patterns, behaviours and preferred habitat are fundamental elements in conservation and protection of dolphins about which very little is known.”
Bottlenose dolphin Female & Calf – North Cape, Kangaroo Island Short-beaked Common dolphin – Victor Harbor
As we review the 1st year of this fantastic funding we can undoubtedly confirm that it IS a wonderful support for which we are truly grateful! Thankyou DEW!!
DEW Conservation Ecologist Heiri Klein at work at Dashwood Bay, Kangaroo IslandDEW Ranger and volunteer at work at Dashwood Bay
Support to maintain regular research effort on dolphin monitoring surveys on Kangaroo Island and in Victor Harbor is helping to consolidate greater knowledge and understandings, confirming the importance of significant aggregation points and those considered critical habitats.
An outstanding development last year was our magnificent Dolphin Watch Ambassador Melody Horrill joining us. We are absolutely thrilled, delighted and overjoyed to welcome on board wonderful journalist, environmentalist and dolphin champion Melody as our inspiring ambassador for the project. http://www.melodyhorrill.com
Post Survey celebrations on KI Marine Adventures at Emu Bay, Kangaroo IslandVictor Harbor 13th Birthday celebrations on The Big Duck
A huge thankyou to our core group of dedicated Citizen Scientists, community members and visiting volunteers who contribute, help and support our core business of dolphin conservation. Excellent media support from the Islander, Fleurieu Sun, Fleurieu App., The Times Victor Harbor, Seniors Magazine, Coast Lines Magazine, The Advertiser etc over the years has been wonderful.
It’s always a treat to welcome new volunteers on board! Department for Environment and Water rangers and managers regularly join surveys in our region and contribute brilliantly to the photographic data collection.
Data Analysis Workshop in the Victor Harbor Visitors Centre / SA Whale CentreData Analysis Workshop at the Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island
We all agree…….“Being in nature performing tasks of common purpose has enormous life-changing benefits to individuals and communities. Developing reattachment to the natural world, improving health / wellbeing, upskilling etc all connect communities enhancing conservation efforts, positive capacity building and meaningful life experiences”……..and we love it!
Citizen Scientists at work on KI Marine Adventures – Dashwood Bay, KICitizen Scientists at work on The Big Duck – Victor Harbor
Looking forward to the next 2 years of wonderful DEW Citizen Science Fund support which means so much!! We are extremely grateful for this much needed injection of funds to support maintaining our research effort and improve the quality of our data collection. Thankyou!
Thankyou so much to our wonderful Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch Ambassador Melody Horrill for the following media release and images.
Bottlenose dolphin between performances at an aquarium in Lithuania. Lithuania, 2016. Jo-Anne McArthur / Born Free Foundation / We Animals MediaA KI Bottlenose dolphin on a Dolphin Watch survey on KI Marine Adventures-Peter Fuller
Footage captured by KI/VH Dolphin Watch and photographs by volunteer, Peter Fuller have graced a video from internationally renowned ethologist and conservationist, Dr Jane Goodall DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger for peace.
A therapy dolphin at an aquarium in Lithuania. Lithuania, 2016. Jo-Anne McArthur / Born Free Foundation / We Animals Media
The video, edited by SA cameraman Stephen Sard, featured beautiful footage of wild dolphins frolicking off the K.I coast along with stunning pictures by Peter Fuller. The visuals were used as an example of how dolphins live in the wild and why they should not be kept in captivity. The video was played to the Flemish parliament by Dr. Koen Margodt, co-chair of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Cetacean Committee during a presentation where he argued for the release of six dolphins in the Flanders dolphinarium. Dr Margodt pleaded with the parliament for the dolphins to be transferred to a coastal sanctuary, under development off Greece, so they can live out their lives in a natural, more enriching environment. Dr Goodall, Dr Margodt and the committee’s co-chair and KI/VH dolphin watch Ambassador, Melody Horrill also co-authored a letter to the Flemish parliament asking members to no longer allow the keeping of dolphins in tanks.
Bottlenose dolphins on survey on KI Marine Adventures on the North Coast of KI-Peter Fuller
Dolphins are highly intelligent, live in complex communities, have personalities and emotional lives, develop strong social bonds and use tools. The mammals have evolved to live in rich ocean habitats, with some ranging for hundreds of kilometres and diving hundreds of metres deep.
They argue that tanks simply cannot replicate the wild. They are monotonous, empty and barren environments that cannot provide dolphins with the psychological, emotional, social and environmental enrichment they need. Dr Koen, Melody and Dr Goodall pointed to research that shows dolphins may experience stress and frustration in captivity and become depressed and listless. They maintain that there is no conservation value in keeping dolphins in tanks as most species are not endangered. Additionally, people cannot learn about dolphins through watching them perform in captivity as they are experiencing a shadow of their wild cousins. Dr Margodt alikens dolphinariums to circuses that used wild animals. Such enterprises are no longer wildly accepted, so how is it that dolphinariums are?
The Islander Newspaper Article May 2nd 2024 thanks to The Fleurieu Sun Editor Michael Simmons
The tide is turning and a growing number of people around the world believe that captivity is not acceptable. However, dolphins that have been in tanks for years cannot be released into the wild as they’ve become institutionalised. The Jane Goodall Cetacean Committee is supporting the creation of a series of global coastal sanctuaries where former performing dolphins can live in a more natural environment, where they can swim for large distances, dive to deep depths and have the opportunity to hunt for their own food while being monitored and cared for by people.
Wild and Free! Bottlenose dolphin, Nepean Bay, KI-Peter Fuller
In a recent interview with 5AA Melody Horrill suggested that an area off the KI coast may well be a perfect location for such a sanctuary in the future….providing refuge for former captive dolphins in the Asia Pacific region.
Meantime, people are being urged to do their research before visiting dolphinariums. Without visitors buying tickets, such places cannot exist.
The Big Duck Skipper Kirk and Co Skipper Jesse with Dolphin Watch Volunteers Tony Bartram, Gloria Flamank, Nedra Haines, Pip Burfield and Mark David – November 2023
The fantastic support offered by The Big Duck Boat Tours over almost 13 years has taken another quantum leap through their latest environmental initiative. www.thebigduck.com.au
By offering their passengers the opportunity to support local environmental programs through direct donations as part of their Environmental and Research Project Initiatives – an optional $5 donation for online tour bookings and donating funds is a wonderful boon to us, providing much needed funding and resourcing for ongoing survey effort. This brilliant value adding type of experience links perfectly to Research Tourism, a burgeoning area of tourism throughout the world.
The Big Duck Owner Michael Veenstra, Skipper & Crew – February 2019
The desire of visitors to give back and assist is a marvellous way of helping, both to educate people and give them a chance to be involved in supporting programs which seek to improve sustainability of biodiversity.
Skipper Kirk and Coordinator Tony pre Survey – November 2023
This highly credentialed, award winning ocean marine tour company on the South Coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula in South Australia is an excellent example of everything good in Eco-tourism – ocean adventures, Victor Harbor and islands tours, Wirrina Cove tours and private charters, plus their sister company Spirit of the Coorong. www.spiritofthecoorong.com.au
Skippers Jonathan and Kirk on survey – December 2022
Their support of our efforts to enhance conservation and protection of dolphins, operating their wonderful vessels at significantly reduced rates for surveys in our regional waters (even throwing in a number of surveys at no cost over the years!) has been a game changer, for us and the dolphins. To now hear, of this wonderful extra support from The Big Duck since January 2024 is fantastic! We wish to offer our grateful thanks to Michael and Bianca Veenstra and Team Big Duck Boat Tours for everything.
First viewing by Tony and Nedra of the wonderful new Big Duck vessel, Kondoli with owner Michael – April 2023Celebrating Survey 125 on The Big Duck – August 2022Skipper Kirk and Tony recording data on survey – November 2023
It is not just about the money – it is the recognition of the many hours of effort by the Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch Citizen Science volunteers engaged in vital research effort, Team Big Duck’s brilliant collaboration, help and support and the generous passengers offering their support!
Skippers Jesse and Kirk and volunteers on survey – November 2023
What it is to be acknowledged and supported – we are forever grateful!
Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch were delighted to welcome their wonderful Ambassador Melody Horrill http://www.melodyhorrill.com and her partner Grant Robb for Survey 239 on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au on February 14th to Dashwood Bay in the middle of the Mission Blue Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot. http://www.missionblue.org
Ambassador Melody Horrill with her inspirational book “A dolphin called Jock” – a must read!
Other special guests were Dolphin Watch collaborator Eleni Atsikbasis – Mission Blue Hope Spot Champion for the Lesvos Hope Spot on the island of Lesvos in Greece with her associates Patricia and Nicholas. Nicholas is performing a role as a two-way youth ambassador between Australia and Greece over the next two years as he completes his secondary schooling at St Peters College in Adelaide.
Nicholas, Patricia & Eleni Atsikbasis preparing to boardEleni Atsikbasis, Grant Robb, Melody Horrill, Cecilia Gunnarsson & Fred Peters on KI Marine Adventures, Dashwood Bay
The Lesvos Mission Blue research initiative engages science and society to protect, preserve, and revitalize the Aegean Sea using a citizen-science approach. It aims to ensure that the Aegean Archipelago is sustainably managed, safe and flourishing with marine life while the society is supported and empowered.
Eleni is the founder of ‘Healing Lesvos’ not-for-profit organization, http://www.healinglesvos.org made up of passionate people who care about protecting their community – the ocean, waters, beaches, now and in the future. ‘Healing Lesvos’ in conjunction with the University of the Aegean aims to set up a prototype of best practices that can be adopted by other islands or regions in Greece and the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on environmental conservation through the engagement of youth and empowerment of the most vulnerable social groups, including refugees.
Eleni and Coordinator Tony – collaborations in action during a Dolphin Watch Workshop at the SA Whale Centre in February 2023!
Eleni and partner Chris Kourakis had previously joined Survey 142 in Victor Harbor in December 2023 on the Big Duck Boat Tours http://www.thebigduck.com.au following Eleni participating in her first Dolphin Watch Survey 132 in Victor Harbor in February 2023.
Tony and Eleni during the Survey briefing – Feb. 2023Happy Citizen Scientists and guests on the Big Duck in Feb. 2023Eleni, Chris, Birdlife Australia Coordinator Kerri Bartley and crew enjoying the Christmas Survey briefing in Victor Harbor by the man himself!
Wonderful to be collaborating with such a passionate advocate for marine biodiversity and for her to meet and connect with Dolphin Watch Ambassador Melody who similarly is a highly regarded, tremendously experienced marine conservationist. A match made not just in Heaven but in nature.
Citizen Scientists, special guests and Skipper Andrew Neighbour on station at Dashwood Bay, KI
Melody is an amazingly accomplished author, journalist, producer and dolphin advocate who brings to Dolphin Watch a wonderful breadth of knowledge, skills, acumen and passion – it means an immense amount to the project! An integral part of the team with our Dolphin Watch mentor Dr Mike Bossley AM, which saw the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary declared in 2005, and the formation of the then Australian Dolphin Research Foundation, Melody has acted as a Board Member of the Dolphin Research Institute and has more recently taken up a role as Co-chair of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Cetacean Committee. www.janegoodall.org
Tony Bartram, Melody Horrill & Grant Robb on survey
It was as if the dolphins were fully aware of the special nature of the remarkable survey as they were observed in large numbers. Seventy plus Bottlenose dolphins with two calves, one new, and a number of juveniles surrounded the vessel while they rested, socialised and played in the turquoise waters.
A delightful display for the special guests and first time volunteers Artist Cecilia Gunnarsson and husband Colin joining regular Citizen Science volunteers. A debrief at the Kangaroo Island Brewery www.kibeer.com.au allowed the crew to share their delight at the brilliant observations of dolphins totally at ease in their critical habitat, and the urgent need for greater protection and conservation.
Delightful KI Brewery Post Survey Debrief
Dolphin Watch sincerely thank Ambassador Melody, Hope Spot Champion Eleni, special guests, wonderful Citizen Science crew and as always, fantastic Skipper Andrew Neighbour.
When amazing passionate souls who care about dolphins and their habitats come together, magic happens.
Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines preparing for a Citizen Science survey on The Big Duck Boat Tours
Hearty congratulations and well done to our wonderful Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines – Active Citizenship Award recipient for 2024!
“In recognition of ongoing marine conservation efforts. Nedra’s contributions to the conservation of marine wildlife will have an enduring impact on the community for years to come. Her passion for marine science and research has been shared through education to the local community, including recently as part of a youth program.”
Nedra – Award announcement PR City of Victor HarborOther 2024 Award Recipients with Nedra and Mayor Moira Jenkins – City of Victor Harbor
When asked what the award which will be officially presented at the City of Victor Harbor’s Australia Day celebrations means to Nedra:
“It is always nice to get recognition personally but more importantly I hope it also brings recognition to the groups I volunteer for….especially my first love, dolphins, and the wonderful work that ALL volunteers do. People who are volunteers and Citizen Scientists can make a difference in this world.”
Victor Harbor volunteers Phyll Bartram, Coordinator Tony Bartram, Manager Nedra and Gloria Flamank at a data analysis workshop in the Victor Harbor Library
We are thrilled and delighted to see her broad spectrum, long term involvement in myriad forms of community volunteer activity recognised in 2024. Her outstanding efforts include Victor Harbor Manager of Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch since 2011, long term monitoring and support for the endangered Little Penguin colony monitoring program, and Whale Spotter at the SA Whale Centre, volunteer at the Victor Harbor Visitor Centre / SA Whale Centre, long standing volunteer at the Horse Drawn Tram and Choral Society volunteer.
Data analysis in action at the SA Whale Centre 2019Nedra, Tony and Phyll with Cathy Riddell – Victor Harbor Visitors Centre / SA Whale Centre Manager 2022Volunteers Wayne Cornish, Nedra, Tony and Phyll with Dolphin Watch Scientific Advisor Nardi Cribb – SA Whale Centre 2018
Nedra is the perfect example of an outstanding community volunteer acting as our volunteer Manager of the Victor Harbor section of our longitudinal Citizen Science dolphin monitoring project – Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, in operation since 2005 on Kangaroo Island. We expanded to include Victor Harbor in our regional research in 2011 and for the last 13 years, Nedra has performed her leadership and organizational roles admirably.
This award is an acknowledgement of her commitment to the collection of vital baseline data regarding dolphins by Dolphin Watch. Nedra is passionate, dedicated and committed, showing high levels of inclusivity and integrity with a cooperative, collaborative approach, all leading towards enhanced protection of cetaceans in regional waters.
We salute you dear Nedra!
Your massive contributions over so many years mean so much….indeed making a difference in this wonderful world.
Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch is absolutely thrilled, delighted and overjoyed to welcome on board wonderful journalist, environmentalist and dolphin champion Melody Horrill as our inspiring ambassador for the project.
She brings with her a tremendous wealth of experience in and passion for dolphin conservation and advocacy.
Bottlenose dolphin Ellisa and Calf Mel named after Melody in April 2023 at North Cape, Kangaroo Island (a “Melody” already exists in the catalogues!)
Melody is co-chair of the Jane Goodall Institute’s Cetacean Committee, author and award-winning broadcast journalist who is well-known for her passionate writing and filming about science and the environment.
Her documentary about Adelaide’s Port River dolphins aired nationally and across the world on CNN. She has spent decades lobbying for the protection of Adelaide’s dolphins and their habitat, most recently through the publication of her memoir, ‘A Dolphin Called Jock’. Her book was published across Australia and New Zealand last year and recently released as ‘The dolphin who saved me’ across the UK, US and Canada.
Through her work with the Goodall Cetacean Committee, she continues to fight for better protection of marine mammals world-wide.
International Express Article Oct. 18th 2023
Our heartfelt gratitude with boatloads of love from us and the dolphins.
An inspirational, delightful Zoom > Messenger Meeting with our wonderful Ambassador! We are so excited to show our wonderful Ambassador the Kangaroo Island dolphins and their critical habitats in 2024! Cheers to you dear Melody….and THANKYOU for everything! XOX
Ryde International CEO Nathan Woodrow presenting the award to Dolphin Watch Coordinator Tony Bartram at the 2023 South Australian Community Achievement AwardsGala Presentation Dinner on November 10th.
Our heartfelt thanks to Community Achievement Awards http://www.awardsaustralia.com/sacaa and Nathan Woodrow of Ryde International www.rydeinternational.com.au for the wonderful South Australian Community Achievement Awards 2023 – Ryde International Connecting Communities Award….and for your very kind, generous words!
“Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch is a pioneering force, uniting communities in a citizen science endeavour that has reshaped lives. For 18 years, this project has harnessed the passion of volunteers of all ages, immersing them in dolphin research and marine conservation. Beyond collecting invaluable data on dolphins, their inclusive approach empowers individuals, addresses social isolation, and fosters environmental stewardship. This transformative initiative has garnered widespread recognition, including awards like the 2021 SA Citizen Science Award for Outstanding Community Engagement. Dolphin Watch is a shining example of how community-driven efforts can create lasting impacts on our oceans, communities, and wellbeing.”
Dolphin Watch Coordinator Tony Bartram’s acceptance speechWonderful MC Elspeth Hussey with the Awards presenters
Thankyou and well done to MC Elspeth Hussey, 7 News, Southern Cross Austereo, Ryde International, Woolworths, The Career College and all sponsors and supporters of the inspiring Community Achievement Awards AND to all the fantastic, inspiring nominees, finalists and winners!!
Tony and Phyll with our Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines at the start of the awards ceremony
This recognition of our Citizen Science volunteers’ efforts over the last 18 years is greatly appreciated and an absolute fillip to our continuing vital research efforts.
Such acknowledgements provide just the lift needed to encourage ongoing development and sustainability of our longitudinal project and greater understanding of Cetacean welfare globally.
Our heartfelt thanks to our mentors, ecotourism operators and collaborators, volunteers of all ages, sponsors and supporters for making it all possible.
The 2023 National Science Week event “Investigating Critical Corridors”- ‘Using data to determine dolphin migratory pathways in the region’ hosted by Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch on Kangaroo Island and in Victor Harbor on the mainland was highly successful by any measure. http://www.scienceweek.net.au
The first research survey on The Big Duck Boat Tours http://thebigduck.com.au on August 9th in Encounter Bay saw Citizen Science volunteers take part in shorebird surveys in conjunction with Birdlife Australia around the islands off Victor Harbor, then travel to areas off Wright Island to observe, record and collect invaluable data regarding the Bottlenose dolphins who frequent the area. A high energy display of feeding on a mullet school was both exciting and highly interesting from a data perspective.
Victor Harbor Survey Crew The Big Duck Aug. 9th 2023
The second and third surveys aboard Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au vessel “Island Explorer” to North Cape off Kingscote on Kangaroo Island on August 14th and 30th involved volunteers in meaningful data collection exercises. All 3 surveys in the region involved a number of new participants of all ages, including a group of teenagers – families of several KI Council representatives.
KI Survey 1 Crew KI Marine Adventures Aug. 14th 2023KI Survey 2 Crew KIMA Aug. 30th 2023
The 3 open workshops on August 8th, 10th and 11th at the Victor Harbor Visitors Centre / SA Whale Centre www.visitvictorharbor.com allowed community members to come and observe, or be involved if they wished in the data analysis, collation and cataloguing exercise using the data gathered during the Science Week survey and on previous surveys.
VH Science Week Workshop Aug. 23rd 2023Birdlife Australia Collaborations Aug. 8th 2023 VH
The workshop at the Ozone Hotel www.ozonehotelki.com.au in Kingscote on August 18th involved volunteers being able to participate in the morning tea Brain Break Quiz activities prepared by National Science Week. This proved to be a funfilled activity for all concerned and gave further evidence to the part Science plays in our everyday lives.
Brain Break Morning Tea Ozone Hotel KI Aug. 18th 2023
All 4 workshops involved positive visitation, important meetings and very productive collaborations, including with Birdlife Australia’s Kerri Bartley http://www.birdlife.org.au, who will be regularly joining our monthly surveys with a group of Birdlife Australia volunteers participating in vital shorebird surveys and a data collection exercise including endangered species, focussing on the islands in the Encounter Bay area where a number of species breed. A particular focus is the Fairy Tern which has recently been added to the threatened species list.
Discussions and worthy collaborations included a very productive session with shark expert Dr Jonathan Werry, previously one of the Big Duck Boat Tours skippers, with a strong interest in linkages with dolphin data collection. Dr Werry gathered our data on dolphin damage collected over 18 years as part of his forensic analysis of dolphin injuries /shark / boat strike, in preparation for his paper on “White Sharks” which will be presented to an international conference in Port Lincoln in November. It is very heartening to see our longitudinal data used by experts in such important scientific applications and conservation work.
The intent to involve community “decision makers” as part of the activities proved fruitful as a number of Council personnel participated, gaining insights into the part scientific data collection plays in informed decision making. The exercise was well received as shown by very positive verbal and written feedback.
Participants included teenagers through to respected senior citizens in the community, exchange students, regional Councillors and staff, photographers, environmentalists, visitors and regular volunteers. Fortunately this year the weather was kind with all 3 surveys carried out in excellent conditions leading to brilliant data collection exercises and very positive experiences for all on board.
Each survey and workshop involved considerable socialising, discussions and information sharing, offering many opportunities to focus on and celebrate Science in our regional community. Numerous morning teas and enjoyable lunches at The Causeway Café, Eat at Whalers, Emu Bay Lavender Farm and The Ozone Hotel were thoroughly enjoyed with wonderful connections and social opportunities so vital in isolated communities. Bringing a cross section of the community together over a common cause and passion creates a sense of purpose, belonging etc and increased health and wellbeing.
We were delighted to receive excellent local and regional media visitation and support helping to spread our message, thanks to Editor Michael Simmons and journalists Emma Heidenreich and Stan Gorton. Articles featured in The Times Victor Harbor, the Fleurieu Sun and The Islander Newspapers and on line coverage, for which we are truly grateful. Emma joined our Victor Harbor survey and thoroughly enjoyed the Citizen Science experience during which she interviewed a number of participants, including two French exchange students witnessing dolphins up close in their natural environment for the first time. The results were excellent coverage and a front page feature in The Times Newspaper, with great feedback from the community as a response.
Interview with Editor Michael Simmons Fleurieu Sun Aug. 10th 2023 VH
During one of the 3 Victor Harbor Workshops Coordinator Tony was interviewed by Angela Coe at ABC Regional Radio about National Science Week and what our 13th event was all about. The importance of data acquisition for use in informing management practises was highlighted together with the invaluable work of Citizen Scientists in this process. The part Science Week events play in giving participants the chance to act as scientists in this data collection and analysis, if they wished, clearly indicated the role they could play in true scientific research.
Our Theme “Investigating Critical Corridors” exploring and analysing movements, patterns, behaviours and preferred habitat was well served by the event on surveys and in workshops, introductory pre survey briefings , workshop activities, discussions, meetings etc. Participants were able to grasp and fully appreciate these fundamental elements in conservation and protection of dolphins about which very little is known. Dolphins as a sentinel species, but with iconic status constantly prove to be an ideal vehicle to engage the community, and decision makers in particular, in scientific data collection with strong linkages to STEM programs, initiatives and pathways.
The main agenda of encouraging community members to participate in scientific research thus expanding their understanding of the importance of STEM in every day decision making was clearly promulgated and the wider community’s understanding was enhanced accordingly. The second agenda of introducing the importance of scientific data collection to local decision makers across the region was also effective with a good take up rate by Councillors and Council management staff, on Kangaroo Island in particular.
On Kangaroo Island and more recently in Victor Harbor, we eagerly anticipate National Science Week each year and relish the opportunity to celebrate Science, the value of meaningful data collection and application in conservation, and the importance of community members of all ages developing a sense of stewardship and custodianship in their environment. All core business elements of our project were fostered and made possible by wonderful funding and support for which we are truly grateful. Once again our heartfelt thanks to Inspiring South Australia www.inspiringsa.org.au and to the SA National Science Week Committee for the fantastic help, support and faith in our project. Hearty congratulations once again on a magnificent range of Science Week events and celebrations across the country!
We were delighted to be a small part of the celebrations and are already planning and looking forward to our 2024 event, revisiting our 2013 theme of “Survival” which seems appropriate!
