A Mission Blue Hope Spot is any special place that is critical to the health of the ocean – Earth’s blue heart. Hope Spots are about recognizing, empowering and supporting individuals and communities around the world in their efforts to protect the ocean.

Mission Blue www.mission-blue.org inspires action to explore and protect the ocean.

The extraordinary and magnificent biodiversity of Kangaroo Island’s surrounding seas and the Great Southern Reef was brought to global attention during the Mission Blue “Hope in Australia” Webinar on September 14^th 2022 featuring the ten Hope Spots around Australia’s coastline.

Stefan Andrews of Ocean Imaging www.theocean.com.au and Tony Bartram of Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch  spoke about the Great Southern Reef and Kangaroo Island’s North Coast respectively, about the challenges they face, conservation wins and how the community at large can assist in preserving these exceptionally diverse and important habitats and the lives that depend on them, including our own.

The challenges offered by a rapidly changing climate, plastic pollution, ill considered developments and the many impacts which flow from landbased human impacts were front and centre in all the Hope Spot presentations but consistent throughout was a sense of hope if the global community draws together and collaborates for the welfare of the oceans and themselves.

The live event recording is linked on Mission Blue’s website under Events.

THANKYOU so much to magnificent Mission Blue and all the Australian Hope Spot Champions for sharing hope in Australia!

Sydney Coast Hope Spot @oceanloversfestival, Gold Coast Bay Hope Spot, Houtman Abrolhos Hope Spot @humpbacks-andhighrises , Great Southern Reef Hope Spot @greatsouthernreef, Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area Hope Spot @oceanwise_au, Salisbury Island Hope Spot @finding_salisbury, Great Barrier Reef Hope Spot @citizensgbr, Fish Rock Hope Spot @shalisesoceansupport and Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot @kivhdolphinwatch.

#HopeinAustralia #MissionBlue #HopeSpots #BlueHope #Australia #webinar #marineconservation #oceanconservation #oceanstories #conservation #citizenscience #blueheart #thinkblue #nobluenogreen #hope #love #gratitude 

Our 12^th National Science Week http://www.scienceweek.net.au event focussed on our core business of longitudinal Citizen Science dolphin research involving community volunteers of all ages, monitoring Common Bottlenose dolphins and Shortbeaked Common dolphins since 2005. We highlighted and celebrated the wonderful volunteer effort and support and contributions of community data input, supplementing boat-based and land-based survey effort over the years in the region. Community volunteers participated in a dolphin monitoring survey and data analysis workshops on Kangaroo Island and in Victor Harbor, South Australia.

Consistent monitoring of a range of sites injects extensive data regarding numbers, behaviours, aggregations etc, informing current data sets and increasing veracity plus knowledge and understandings. Particular focus is on known and new dolphins identified with respect to home range, movement patterns and migratory pathways.

Data collected is used to inform management practices in collaboration with scientific entities and government agencies with an aim to strengthen protection and conservation mechanisms for the dolphins in our regional waters. It is also made available to scientists globally to increase our understandings of these iconic marine mammals.

A small but enthusiastic group of Citizen Scientist volunteers gathered at the monthly data analysis workshop at the Ozone Hotel http://www.ozonehotelki.com.au on August 12^th launching Science Week. Following tradition the workshop featured the Science Week Brain Break Morning Tea and quiz, an enjoyable event overseen once again by volunteer / Quizmaster Extraordinaire Mike Cosgrove.

A series of KI / VH Dolphin Watch workshops held at the Victor Harbor Library and Visitor Information Centre for National Science Week from August 16^th took on an international feel when PhD Candidate Alicia Garcia from Valencia in Spain,  participated in the data analysis and collation being undertaken. Her proposed study dovetails perfectly with Dr Rebecca Souter’s “Investigating Threats to Dolphin Health Project” at Adelaide University which Dolphin Watch is supporting.

A delicious celebratory luncheon at Whalers, following an on water research survey aboard The Big Duck Boat Tours www.thebigduck.com.au gave the Citizen Science volunteers an opportunity to reflect upon the role Science plays in everyday life. In a short address reminiscent of his offering in Dolphin Watch’s acknowledgement at the 2021 SA Science Awards, project Coordinator Tony Bartram acknowledged the outstanding data collection efforts of all the volunteers over the past 11 years in Encounter Bay and 17 years on Kangaroo Island. Special note was made of the superb efforts of Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines who has been there since the beginning.

The organisers were delighted to welcome the Fleurieu Sun Newspaper Editor Michael Simmons to the second day of workshops and appreciate his interest and support very much! http://www.fleurieusun.com.au

The wonderful Citizen Science data collection efforts over so many years have been generously supported by many volunteers of all ages, sponsors, and supporters, in particular Sealink KI http://www.sealink.com.au , I-NEX Corporation http://www.i-nex.com.au, KI Shellfish – The Oyster Farm Shop http://wwwoysterfarmshop.com.au and Ecotourism operators KI Marine Adventures http://www.kimarineadventures.com.au and the Big Duck Boat Tours. 

Our grateful thanks to them all!

Roll on National Science Week 2023!!!

#nationalsienceweek  #STEM #natsciwk #scienceweek #science #inspiringSA

#southaustralia #sagreat  #dolphins #citizenscience #conservation

“Bringing a voice to our Oceans and Waters”

It was a pleasure and privilege to be asked to join a wonderful group of ocean advocates and marine conservationists to participate in the World Oceans Day Blue Water Summit http://bluewatersummit.com/ on June 8^th presented by the Blue Water Institute https://www.bluewaterinstitute.org/ in a delightful setting at the Royal South Australian Yacht Squadron.

Together with all the speakers and panellists we were able focus on the myriad issues facing the marine environment and possible approaches to meeting these challenges.

The globally webcast event, an initiative of William Ehmcke and Greg Reitmann of the Blue Water Institute, will become an annual event following the success of this inaugural magnificent and illuminating 8 hour broadcast of live streaming focussing on the Great Southern Ocean. The scope of the presentations and their far reaching implications and possibilities are obvious through such an amazing programme and inspiring speakers.

Our grateful thanks and hearty congratulations to William Ehmcke and all concerned!

The Islander Newspaper on line story – June 21^st 2022

https://www.theislanderonline.com.au/story/7788336/ki-features-in-blue-water-summit-on-world-oceans-day/

#worldoceansday #bluewatersummit  #bluewaterinstitute #unitednations  #southernocean #greatsouthernreef #THANKYOU

Celebrating 17 years of Citizen Science in our region!

Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch celebrated entering the 17^th year of dolphin research on Kangaroo Island last month, and shortly we celebrate 11 years since we expanded the project to Victor Harbor in 2011, working with the Big Duck Boat Tours http://thebigduck.com.au.

On our KI Birthday survey on Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures http://kimarineaaadventures.com.au the volunteers visited Dashwood Bay in the Mission Blue North Coast Hope Spot http://mission-blue.org to collect vital data around the Bottlenose dolphins and the habitat which is so critical to their wellbeing.

The dolphins appeared in numbers as if to celebrate as well, with lots of frisky “party” behaviour displayed by the juveniles and newborn calves.

Perhaps Dolphin Watch mentor Dr Mike Bossley AM, one of the progenitors of the project says it best in his brilliant, recently published book “Whales, Dolphins and Me” – Moonglow Publishing. http://moonglowpublishing.com.au

“Undertaking long term studies increases immeasurably the enjoyment to be gained by watching animals in the wild because it allows a much deeper appreciation of what is happening. The biologist, be they professional or amateur, certainly gains enormous satisfaction if they have studied their species / environment over an extended period.”

With a dearth of knowledge about dolphins as characterised by their data deficient status with the IUCN, such longitudinal studies are vital.

Volunteers Sharon and Keith Sharp from the Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary / Whale and Dolphin Conservation joined the crew which included long serving, dedicated volunteers who have spent many hours over the years supporting the research effort.

At the celebration lunch at the Emu Bay Lavender Farm http://emubaylavenderfarm.com there was an opportunity for Coordinator Tony Bartram to thank the volunteers of all ages, sponsors and supporters over the years for their outstanding contributions.

Particular note was made of Dolphin Watch operational partner Andrew Neighbour of KI Marine Adventures who has provided outstanding levels of subsidy and support from the beginning.

A perfect example of Ecotourism and Citizen Science joining forces to effect high level conservation outcomes.

To our wonderful Ecotourism partners, sponsors, supporters and volunteers of all ages over all these years…we thank you!!!

Here’s to the next 17 years and beyond.

#citizenscience #dolphins #celebration #kangarooisland #victorharbor #sponsors #supporters #volunteers

#THANKYOU

A wonderful case of survival …..

First observed on a marine tour on KI Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au in February 2018 on the pristine North Coast of Kangaroo Island, South Australia in the North Coast Mission Blue Hope Spot www.mission-blue.org ,   Bottlenose dolphin Mandela has survived what appears to be appalling predation, presumably a shark attack.

Often observed on surveys since that first sighting, with other “regular” dolphins, and in the close company of a juvenile (Mr Wishing) she appears to be doing as well as possible and taking full advantage of these shallow, protected waters  – critical habitat for a large number of dolphins and a range of other species.

Easily recognised by all Citizen Scientists on board regular surveys, it is always a joy to see her, over the years.

To our great delight Mrs Mandela was observed at Dashwood Bay with a brand new calf in January 2021 which we called Scooter, due to the high level of activity! Fortunately female and calf are both still doing well and observed regularly on surveys and marine tours.  

The challenging mystery remains, unsolved to date despite our best efforts……what actually happened and what was her identity before the attack ?

Is she a known female in our region over all these years or did she more recently choose these protected waters for sanctuary?

We may never know….

Long may Mrs Mandela and her progeny remain safe, survive and thrive.  

#bottlenosedolphins #citizenscience #conservation #protection #missionblue #northcoast #hopespot

A wonderful story of survival – a remarkably resilient sentient being, non human person

As far back as 1998 surfers at Pennington Bay, Kangaroo Island were telling stories of a remarkable looking dolphin with virtually no dorsal fin. At the time it was supported by two other dolphins from its pod, an outstanding example of the care and kinship within these groups for which they are renowned.

Observations over the years have seen Chompy living life fully without the use of the dorsal fin, part of the balancing system used by dolphins to guide them so effortlessly through the fluid environment. 

Analysis of our land based monitoring images and vital community data generously provided by wonderful tour guide / photographer Nikki Redman and photographers and tour guides over the years, lead to the conclusion that Chompy was a possible shark attack survivor and indeed lucky to have survived that encounter.

We asked Nikki to name him / her…..Chompy it is and we added The Champion!

No doubt about it!

To watch Chompy thriving over all these years, and surfing etc as effortlessly as his peers is an incredibly moving experience.

In a fascinating development we believe Chompy is associating with several other dolphins with badly damaged dorsal fins, travelling very large distances along the rugged South Coast, including Nikki’s recent observations this month at Cape De Couedic, Flinders Chase!

 It seems these intrepid survivors stick together!

One can only observe with wonder and ponder the incredible will to live and desire to heal which characterises this remarkable example of overcoming a potentially disastrous injury and the resulting disability. Truly a perfect time to provide the ultimate accolade of champion to a remarkably resilient non human person – the dolphin simply known as “Chompy the Champion”.

Nikki Redman’s story

Kangaroo Island Odyssey  Naturalist Tour guide

June 12^th 2014

“My colleague Terry Pearce recently showed me a picture of a dolphin he photographed at Pennington Bay 3 years ago with no dorsal fin which was being supported by 2 other dolphins in the pod.  Crazy enough the following day I was at Pennington Bay on tour and I saw a dolphin with no dorsal fin and managed to photograph it –  it was swimming freely in the pod, not being supported. I was amazed to find out after sending the picture to Tony and Phyll, that it was the same dolphin and what was even more wonderful, they let me name it. I called it “Chompy” as it looked like its dorsal had been chomped off by a shark.

On the 8th of June I was at Pennington Bay again and saw Chompy and friends. I didn’t manage to photograph it this time but definitely saw it!  2 days later on the 10th of June I was at Seal Bay half way along the KI coast and saw a huge pod of dolphins chasing fish. I believe they were launching out of the water and it was amazing. I then noticed a dolphin with no dorsal – I’m not 100% sure but I think it was Chompy.  If it was I think it’s amazing as it certainly is having no trouble keeping up with the pod. What an amazing survivor!”

Thankyou so much dear Nikki for your amazing, invaluable contribution over the years!

Our grateful thanks to all who contribute wonderful community data and images, helping us to learn more about these remarkable non human person, sentient beings!!

#weekendinspiration #chompy #dolphin #survivor #surfer #sharkattack #resilience #penningtonbay #southcoast #missionblue #hopespots #nobluenogreen #southernocean #greatsouthernreef #traveller #thinkblue #conservation

Professor Hugh Possingham, Chief Scientist of Queensland says it all:

“The power of citizen science to remake or reimagine the world lies in the opportunities it gives to everyone involved – opportunities to learn about the world, to pose questions about how we affect the world and to consider how any change can make a difference.

Furthermore, being engaged in citizen science provides people with the confidence to speak out about matters they care about and to question policies or decisions with which they disagree.”

Professor Possingham is the wonderful Patron of the fantastic Australian Citizen Science Association –  we are delighted to be long standing members and supporters!

https://citizenscience.org.au/

A community, non-for-profit charity that supports, informs and develops Citizen Science, ACSA defines Citizen Science as the collection and analysis of scientific data in relation to the natural world, performed predominantly by citizens, usually in collaboration with scientists and field experts. Citizen scientists work with scientists or the scientific framework to achieve scientific goals.

Citizen Science involves public participation and collaboration in scientific research with the aim to increase scientific knowledge. It’s a great way to harness community skills and passion to fuel the capacity of science to answer our questions about the world and how it works.

Founded in May 2014 and incorporated in 2015, their mission is to advance Citizen Science through advocacy, collaboration, sharing of knowledge, and capacity building. They are run by volunteers with only 1 – 2 paid part-time staff members and are always looking for collaborations and funding partners, welcoming everyone from all walks of life.

ACSA are currently developing a national community of practice for all types of Citizen Science within Australia and are very keen to hear from anyone about how to best support the needs of researchers, educators, project managers or citizen scientists.

Do join their mailing list to stay up to date with the latest citizen science developments, and events. To find projects near you head to their website and click on Resources then Project Finder.

Happy days being a Citizen Scientist …and thankyou ACSA!!

A huge THANKYOU to all our Citizen Scientists, operational partners, sponsors and supporters for 17 years of vital scientific data collection!

#citizenscience #conservation #opportunities #questions #change #makingadifference #engagement #power #thankyou #love #gratitude

Kangaroo Island’s position as an extraordinary Environmental Science site was highlighted once again at the SA Young Tall Poppies Science Awards and Unsung Heroes Award, and the inaugural SA Citizen Science Awards.

Of the four finalists in the SA Citizen Science Outstanding Science and Research, and the Outstanding Engagement Awards, two had strong connections to the island and both were winners.

Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch won the Outstanding Engagement Award with Adelaide University’s iBandi as runner up. Adelaide University’s Echidna CSI of which Dr Peggy Rismiller of Pelican Lagoon Research Centre is a major part, won the Outstanding Science Award with Dr Tahlia Perry accepting the award on behalf of her team.

Once again KI’s potential as a leading research base, both on land and sea was obvious.  In his acceptance speech which was well received by the audience including Governor Frances Adamson AC and Chief Scientist for SA Professor Caroline McMillen who presented the Citizen Science Awards, Dolphin Watch Coordinator Tony Bartram emphasised the importance of the marine environment and the need for greater resourcing of research into our oceans and their flora and fauna. It was a point not lost on the few marine researchers in the room, making for interesting discussions to follow by leading scientific entities.

An invitation to attend the inspiring SA Science Awards at Tonsley Innovation Centre on 26^th of November gave KI/VH Dolphin Watch’s Tony and Phyll Bartram the opportunity to meet with other Science Award winners and view the videos prepared by Randy Larcombe Film and Imaging http://www.randylarcombe.com.au for the event and for promoting the winners of the Awards.

THANKYOU Randy, Inspiring South Australia www.inspiringsa.org.au and Australian Citizen Science Association www.citizenscience.org.au for helping us to share our conservation message!

Dolphin Watch are extremely grateful for the award which provides a much needed boost of $5,000 towards ongoing research effort in the region plus outstanding recognition of the Citizen Science efforts of wonderful volunteers, operational partners, mentors, sponsors and supporters, since 2005 on KI and 2011 in Victor Harbor.

#sasciencewards #citizenscience #awards #citsciinSA #dolphins #dolphinwatch #volunteers

#conservation #love #gratitude

Data collection is the lynchpin of all Citizen Science projects but it is sometimes worth considering why people take part in such activities.

It is often because of an intense interest, a care for or even a love of a species or special place that defines community member’s passion and commitment.

Our dedicated Dolphin Watch community volunteers of all ages collaborate with Scientists on effective “Citizen Science” on boat-based surveys, land-based monitoring and community data input, contributing a staggering number of volunteer hours since 2005.

Images and video footage are collected, identifying individual dolphins by distinctive dorsal fins and body markings. Vital data is recorded on movements and habitats, creating a vitally important sustainable, longitudinal study.

Our core business is data collection with respect to regional dolphin populations and habitats. In regular workshops we transform this data through collation, analysis and cataloguing and recording to inform conservation effort.

It is important to realise the need to use that data for protection and conservation of that which we hold dear. An ethos of custodianship and stewardship should be a desired outcome of any project involving Citizen Scientist volunteers. If we wish people to care for species and their habitats they must first have experiences of them and it is this characteristic of immersion which underpins the best and most successful and enduring longitudinal research projects engaging Citizen Scientists.

A huge thankyou to our wonderful sponsors I-NEX Corporation http://www.i-nex.com.au an Australian software developer and supporter, for their long term partnership, funding, faith, encouragement and support, creating and maintaining our website and database for 17 years!

#citizenscience #datacollection #dataanalysis #transformation #partnership #conservation

#love #gratitude

“My Dolphin Watch Experience

I can honestly say that joining Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch (KI/VHDW) is changing my life for the better.

And there are several reasons for that.

Most of my life has been spent on, in or close to the ocean; boating, fishing, scuba diving, swimming or quite simply sitting.

With a love of all things marine, moving to Australia on the very last day of 1998 was an easy choice. On previous trips to this great country, I had spent treasured time on liveaboards on the Great Barrier Reef, diving, and snorkelling, enjoying the amazing sea-life.

And in the years before, I had visited many  wonderful dive sites around the world, including Turkey (Bodrum) and Israel (Eilat). Amongst the glorious marine creatures I encountered, dolphins were always the most special.

Working as a marine scientist would have been my dream but, unfortunately, science wasn’t really a thing at my school way back when! So, I take every opportunity I can to get involved with marine projects.

Getting involved

Arriving on Kangaroo Island in 2020, and discovering KIVHDW, was such a buzz, so exciting and a dream come true. I was given contact details for Phyll and Tony Bartram and, before I knew it, I was off on my first survey.

Taking part in these surveys has not only introduced me to the dolphins of KI but also to some of the nicest people I have ever met. People who feel more like family, who have welcomed and embraced me.

Recovering from cancer, I get so much out of these trips. As well as interacting with the dolphins and learning more about them and their habitat, the surveys are helping me heal, mentally and emotionally.

And we all know dolphins have healing abilities!

Interacting with dolphins

There are those who say humans should not interact with wild animals. But how else do we learn? It’s not the interaction that’s the problem, it is how it is managed. KIVHDW members show great respect for the animals and the environment. The fact that the dolphins come to us shows how keen they are to interact and how interested they are in learning about humans.

Animal behaviourists have observed that animals can benefit from interaction. When we go out on a survey, the dolphins appear to enjoy swimming around the boat, diving, and surfacing, even rolling on their sides to get a better look at us.

Just who is being studied here?

Research clearly shows that when people interact with animals in their environment, it promotes better understanding and education. And that leads to more support for conservation and protection.

Citizen Science

And then there’s the knowledge we gather through the surveys. How else would we be able to argue against developments such as Smiths Bay? Who else will speak up for the animals?

The importance of Citizen Science must never be under-estimated; it is crucial that ordinary people have the opportunity to study our world and share their knowledge. This empowers communities to speak up and make positive change.

Better access to more scientific data has never been more important.  And funding that research through Citizen Science must continue if we are to protect our natural world.

The people who take part in these surveys are willing to input time and energy, passion, and patience. But we couldn’t do any of this without the practical support of people like Andrew Neighbour, and all our sponsors.

Essential research

Citizen scientists provide a cost-effective means of carrying out essential studies. And they have been studying cetacean populations for decades, all around the world. Shore and boat-based research is enabling us to learn more about the dolphins, their behaviour, and their environment.

Being a part of this is a privilege. And it feels good to be making a difference to the world in which we live. I would recommend the experience to anyone interested in marine life and the ocean.

For me personally, I cannot get enough of it! We are there to gather data but sometimes, I just have to stop and watch and enjoy. The feeling of joy and peace that comes over me helps calm the anxiety that has always plagued me.

As a person with high-functioning autism, this has become a key part of my new life on Kangaroo Island, and I intend to be involved for many years to come.”

Isobel Coleman June 9th 2021

Thankyou so much dear Izzy for so kindly sharing your very special story. We have always felt Dolphin Watch is life changing for all of us, and we are delighted it is so for you too! Such a joy to have you on board!

Love and gratitude, always. XOX

#THANKYOU #citizenscience #dolphinwatch #dolphins #volunteers #conservation #kangarooisland #victorharbor