As Dolphin Watch enters its 21^st year of operation there is much to celebrate. The data collection efforts by volunteers of all ages over the years have been outstanding, contributing to conservation initiatives locally and internationally – the core goal of our Citizen Science.

2 Birthday Surveys 251 and 252 were undertaken to magnificent Dashwood Bay on March 4^th and 6^th thanks to brilliant support as always from Skipper Andrew Neighbour of Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures. http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au

The 1^st yielded only 2 fleeting dolphin sightings – a concerning unusual observation for Dashwood Bay. The 2^nd celebration survey was just that with this precious marine environment providing many delights. 5 Bottlenose dolphins interacting with a large school of salmon off Emu Bay reef provided fascinating observations and Dashwood Bay itself delivered a brilliant display from another 25+ dolphin for all aboard.

The crew included Tayla Shaw and Emma Rogers from AUSMAP http://www.ausmap.org who were visiting Kangaroo Island as part of their sterling efforts to educate the community about the dangers of microplastics around Australia, undertaking a Science in the Pub session at the KI Brewery and related training in data collection and analysis for students and the community.

The appearance of 3 young calves, one possibly less than a day old, was an absolute delight for everyone. On the return trip a school of tuna provided a high energy showing.

A superb Debrief Birthday Brunch followed the 1^st survey with a delicious cake once again provided by Sophie and her staff at wonderful Emu Bay Lavender Farm. www.emubaylavenderfarm.com.au

It was a treat to have fantastic volunteers from Wallaroo – the Dolphin Whisperer Kay and Phil Calder join us once again.

How fortunate we are to have the fantastic help, support and wonderful data collection efforts from so many amazing volunteers, mentors, sponsors and supporters, making it all happen!

#THANKYOU

#HappyBirthday #21years #dolphinresearch #CitizenScience #love #gratitude

On October 20^th KI Landscape Board hosted 13 Landscape Board Educators from across the state showcasing some of the island’s environmental education initiatives. www.landscape.sa.gov.au

We were privileged to be invited by Deb Laver, Kangaroo Island’s Education Officer, to meet the Education Officers at the Landscape Board Boardroom, Kingscote.  Coordinator Tony highlighted our 20 years of Citizen Science research effort and examples of successful application of the data collected in enhancing conservation priorities and outcomes.

Of interest to the audience was the fact that the Dolphin Watch project was originally developed in 2005 as an initiative of the “Oceans of Blue” and “Save Our Seagrass” strategies of the Kangaroo Island Natural Resource Management Board which evolved into today’s Landscape Board.

The introduction of the project to a series of schools in South Australia and in Townsville Queensland in past years was of significant interest along with the evolution into a community based Citizen Science initiative on Kangaroo Island and in Victor Harbor.

Together with the fantastic program of various speakers and professional development for teachers developed by Deb, there was much for the visiting Education Officers to see, learn from and possibly import to the areas they work in.

A special treat to receive a delightful KI produce basket by You and Me Kangaroo Island @you.mekangarooisland too.  http://www.youandmekangarooisland.com

Thankyou so much Deb for including us and for your wonderful help, generosity and support.

We look forward to working together in 2026!

#kilandscapesa #landscapeboard #education #dolphinwatch #presentation #citizenscience #youandmekangarooisland #kangarooisland #thankyou

On October 13^th 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 1^st 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

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 8^th.

The focus moved quickly to Victor Harbor with a community presentation “Why Whales (large and small) Matter” on August 12^th 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 13^th 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

It’s that special time of the year again!

Thankyou SO much wonderful Sealink KI for another year of fantastic long term Citizen Science Community Link sponsorship, inkind travel and support in 2025 / 2026 which to us…and the dolphins, means everything! www.sealink.com.au

Thanks to the wonderful long term sponsorship and support provided by Sealink KI since 2012, we have been able to continue our longitudinal volunteer Citizen Science research effort with fantastic outcomes. This ongoing faith, support, sponsorship and in-kind travel is a game changer for Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch and we are truly grateful.

Despite ongoing challenges of weather issues and vessel availability impacting on maintaining regular survey effort each month, we have continued to develop and thrive in our region.

As in previous years the sponsorship funds were greatly appreciated contributing to boat charter costs for surveys plus fantastic travel fares well used, for coordinating and operating our project in Victor Harbor and for presentations, workshops, meetings etc. Without this amazing support our longitudinal community Citizen Science project would not be thriving as it is today!

“@kivhdolphinwatch is an exceptional example of a citizen-led research project that not only contributes to scientific knowledge but also fosters community wellbeing and resilience. Sealink has been proudly supporting its efforts for more than 13 years.”

         Sealink Community Link Program “The Islander” Newspaper April 2024

249 monthly Citizen Science surveys on Kangaroo Island and 161 surveys in Victor Harbor totalling 410 in our region, have been completed to date. A staggering number of hours of land based monitoring plus ongoing community data input supplement our boat based surveys.

Sealink’s ongoing support over the years has helped us continue to work on our aims of conservation and protection of dolphins in our regional waters and indeed on a global scale. We continue to foster this double purpose in highlighting to the world the marine experience opportunities in our region and the magnificent marine habitats in the Mission Blue Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot as well as enhancing much needed protection and conservation of dolphins and other cetaceans. www.missionblue.org

Moving towards greater protection for Cetaceans across SA and beyond collaborating with renowned key personnel in this conservation space is a work in progress!

Continuing advocacy for marine fauna in our waters and gaining greater protection for dolphins and habitats upon which they depend are at the heart of our project.

Once again thankyou so much Sealink for your amazing help and support.

Our mantra – “changing one heart one mind at a time” developing a common sense of purpose is exemplified by change in societal understandings caring for marine environments.

Thankyou for your amazing contribution to help make it all happen!

Love and gratitude in boatloads.

#sealinkki #communitylink #community #collaboration #sponsorship #support #kangarooisland #victorharbor #fleurieu #kimarineadventures #bigduckboattours

What a delight the 20^th Birthday Celebration, Survey 249 to North Cape on April 7^th on the mighty Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures turned out to be!

A number of the dolphins first observed  in 2005 on Survey 1 & 2 including Two Notch ( who now has 5!), Ellisa and calves etc turned up as if they wished to join in on the occasion too.

An absolute treat for the crew of regular and new volunteers, topped off by 14 Bottlenose dolphins overall with 2 juveniles and 2 young calves amongst the pod.

A close check of the shoreline as well as “cloudy water” gave some indications of the algal bloom assailing South Australia’s coastline causing massive concern to all.

A wonderful debrief Brunch topped off with a stunningly beautiful birthday cake prepared once again by Sophie Sheridan at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm http://www.emubaylavenderfarm.com.au completed a magnificent celebration as we enter our 20^th year of the Dolphin Watch Citizen Science project. Many other volunteers who sadly were not available on the day for various reasons were with us in spirit.

Another magic milestone to celebrate coming up…our 250^th survey on Kangaroo Island.

As always, our heartfelt thanks to our fantastic Ambassador Melody Horrill http://www.melodyhorrill.com, operational partners KI Marine Adventures http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au and The Big Duck Boat Tours in Victor Harbor www.thebigduck.com.au, mentor Dr Mike Bossley AM, scientists, volunteers, sponsors and supporters!

All your amazing help, support and faith in our core business over all these years means everything!!!!

Here’s to the next 20 years and beyond!

#20years #happybirthday #dolphinwatch #celebration #conservation #cetaceanrights

“Back Roads goes in search of all creatures great and small on Kangaroo Island, off the South Australian coast. Guest presenter Paul West checks in to see how the island is faring after devastating Black Summer fires of 2020.”

Episode 7 Live to air on February 20^th 2025

Stream Back Roads now on @abciview ABC TV #BackRoads

https://iview.abc.net.au

Such a treat to be invited on board a very special marine tour on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au hosting the wonderful ABC Backroads www.abc.net.au to stunning Dashwood Bay right in the middle of the Mission Blue www.missionblue.org Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot in May 2024.

An absolute delight to work with this thoroughly professional film group who were great company as well as totally switched on to the best way to present their program with extraordinary cinemaphotography and brilliant conservation messages.   

What a stunning expose of the unique nature of Kangaroo Island and the strong environmental protection messages which resonated with so many who seek to protect our island home.

The feedback has been amazing and so well deserved by all involved.

Thankyou so much wonderful Paul West, Lou Turley, Ben Cunningham and Pinky, ABC Backroads….and our Superstar Skipper Andrew Neighbour.

@abciview @abcaustralia

#marineconservation #filmgroup #kangarooisland #wildlife #cinematography #iview #ABC #dolphins #conservation #thankyou

Happy New Year! We are looking forward to another fantastic year in Dolphin Watch  – our 20^th year!

Following recent Christmas surveys – our 246^th research survey on KI Marine Adventures on Kangaroo Island, coupled with our 154^th on The Big Duck Boat Tours, Victor Harbor, the wonderful Citizen Scientist volunteers of Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch have undertaken an amazing 400 surveys in our regional waters. This milestone achievement is worthy of celebration, not simply because of the numbers involved which make it a longitudinal study of significance, but because of the data collected, analysed and recorded.

The usage of this data continues to bear fruit in terms of enhancing protection for our local dolphin population groups as well as providing invaluable insights regarding dolphin behaviours.

It is a credit to the hundreds of volunteers of all ages who have participated over the years, some on many occasions, but the main accolades belong with Andrew Neighbour of KI Marine Adventures http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au and Michael Veenstra and staff at The Big Duck Boat Tours http://www.thebigduck.com.au for their fantastic ongoing support of the project over all these years!

A special thankyou to Nedra Haines who, as manager of the Victor Harbor section, has performed an incredible multifaceted role with such aplomb.

Our wonderful Ambassador Melody Horrill http://www.melodyhorrill.com, our magnificent mentors Dr Mike Bossley AM and Mark Deraad http://www.i-nex.com.au, major sponsors Sealink Kangaroo Island http://www.sealink.com.au and a host of sponsors and supporters, some of whom have been with us since the very beginning, all deserve massive thanks!

We would be lost without you.

As we begin our 20^th year we look forward  to celebrating and continuing our ongoing quest for ultimate Cetacean rights and the greatest protection for these remarkable, iconic non human persons, sentient beings and their critical habitats.

We have a long way to go…..

#THANKYOU to all who care.

#dolphinwatch #conservation #dolphins #cetaceanrights #criticalhabitats #missionblue #hopespots #sanctuaries

#love #gratitude

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.

Long may amazing Humpy survive and thrive!

#dolphins #mammals #scoliosis #disabilities #adaptions #cetaceans #cetaceanrights #conservation #citizenscience #kangarooisland #missionblue #northcoast #hopespot

What a delight and absolute privilege it was to be involved in the 8^th Island Arks Symposium on Kangaroo Island last week. www.islandarkssymposium.com

The theme “‘Island Stewards: Caring for Land and Sea’ was chosen to 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!

For further details on this stunning Island Arks Symposium please refer to the excellent media coverage by the KI Landscape Board http://www.landscapesa.gov.au and The Islander Newspaper http://www.theislanderonline.com.au