Dolphin Watch celebrated its 11^th Birthday in style on March 8^th with a research survey at Dashwood Bay aboard project partner Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures’ flagship “Zeehond”. A perfect day gave the dedicated crew of volunteers, old and new, a fantastic opportunity to observe at close hand between 70 and 80 dolphins, resting, socialising, mating and generally having fun in a magnificent pristine environment.

A barbecue at Emu Bay followed giving coordinator Tony Bartram a chance to thank KIMA for their outstanding support over 11 years of research effort of this iconic species and their habitats. A huge vote of thanks is also due to all the wonderful volunteers of all ages, our other project partners Whale and Dolphin Conservation and The Big Duck Boat Tours, Victor Harbor,  our long term sponsors I-Nex Corporation, Sealink KI, KI Paperworks, Raptor Domain and the Ozone Hotel, and mentors, sponsors, supporters, scientists and collaborators. As challenges increase the invaluable data collected by this group of conservation minded Citizen Scientists is being called upon more and more to inform management decisions with respect to the health of the marine environment.

I -NEX Corporation Managing Director Mark de Raad and Dolphin Watch Coordinator Tony Bartram November 2016

After a protracted period of time following a severe hacking under a previous host, this site has a new web presence, safely “under the wings” of our wonderful Dolphin Watch sponsors I-NEX Corporation. We will be updating with information and developments from the ensuing period with new happenings over time… a work in progress! Thanks for your patience and Watch This Space!

On November 14^th Tony and Phyll were fortunate to attend an inservice on the operation of the new website with Managing Director Mark de Raad. The site was launched and is now operational, thanks to Mark, Adrian and their team and their greatly appreciated long term effort, support, patience, energy and faith in our project. I-Nex is a wholly Australian based software development, consulting and support company founded 20 years ago under the direction of Mark de Raad. They are involved in the creative thinking and the making of significant research and environmental projects, often in collaboration with research organisations and all with an eye on social improvement and education. I-Nex skills include the creation of websites, mobile apps and related technologies, enabling mass data collection through “crowd” contributions (examples of this include the KIVHDW app and website) but also specific projects such as our data base www.islandmind.com.au and FoodNow dietetics and physiology research for Deakin Uni.
“We greatly value the work that the Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch team do for our South Australian environment and are justly proud of our nearly 11 year sponsorship.”

www.i-nex.com.au  Telephone 08 8236 7456

Mark de Raad  April 7^th 2016

Thankyou dear Mark and team. We greatly value the work you do and all you have done for us…our very own White Knight. Love and gratitude always.

Lameroo Schools onboard Phil Robinson’s cray boat October 19th 2012

Lameroo Regional District Schools participated in field survey research effort for the sixth year in succession on October 19th. As in previous years Phil Robinson ferried the students and accompanying adults out to North Cape on board his cray fishing boat. Andrew Neighbour of Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures then took the group, half at a time to North Cape proper and around to Cloud Bay in search of the local dolphin pod. The combined efforts were rewarded with good sightings in reasonable conditions, with the second group in particular experiencing a brilliant up close encounter with approximately 18 dolphins over an extended period. The data obtained is invaluable and the efforts of the students were remarkable, particularly given the high levels of excitement the dolphin observations generated. A great experience again for all involved and a credit to the Lameroo visitors, and another brilliant effort by Andrew, Phil and crew. Special thanks to teacher Maureen Steinborner for her fantastic long term interest and support.

Port Pirie Dolphin Watch crew September 28th 2012

Windy conditions with poor visibility made the field survey at Port Pirie on September 28th somewhat difficult. In spite of this the crew of Kevin, Tony and Phyll, joined by Celeste from the Port Pirie Recorder, and farewelled by Port Pirie Dolphin Watch teacher Tegan, were treated to a magnificent observation of 20+ Bottlenose dolphins frolicking off the western end of Ward Spit. This has proved to be a reliable site for regular sightings over the past 3 years, providing the basis of much of the local data collection, research effort and cataloguing.
Once again our sincere thanks are due to Kevin Pallant for his outstanding long term contribution along with Trevor Thomas, unfortunately suffering from serious ill health currently. Get well soon Skipper Trevor!

Training Sealink staff onboard the Spirit of Kangaroo Island October 10th 2012

On Wednesday 10th October Tony Bartram trained Sealink Ferries staff in dolphin monitoring and data collection techniques at their offices in Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island and Cape Jervis on the mainland, and crews on board the Spirit of Kangaroo Island and the Sealion. The staff, particularly those on board, together with Sealink passengers, will be assisting in gathering data regarding the dolphins which are frequently sighted on voyages across Backstairs Passage, and their habitat. Rudimentary information regarding whale identification was also provided to enable the crews to provide information regarding sightings to the SA Whale Centre and the SA Museum.
Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watch are extremely grateful to Sealink for ongoing sponsorship through funding and travel, providing significant support for the development and sustainability of the project and its expansion to Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch, which has been in operation for 18 months. The community education and awareness raising resulting from Sealink support is significant and highly valued.

Data analysis at the Youth Connect Workshop September 3rd 2012

The Youth Connect SA Works Dolphin Watch project which commenced on July 23rd, continues to go from strength to strength, with alternating weekly field surveys and workshops. The project managed by Regional Development Australia is funded by the Commonwealth and State Governments, linking young people with older community volunteers.
A fascinating workshop with Gary Bell of KI Digicam has resulted in a greater understanding of how to obtain quality video footage and editing to best effect with products improving in quality and impact accordingly. Migratory Wildlife Networks Geoff Prideaux’s workshop on data entry on the website www.kangarooislanddolphinwatch.com.au created great excitement when he demonstrated the API mapping tools he has created. A world first application with considerable wow factor and readily adopted as a project by Nina and Sharon in particular. An absolutely stunning result.
The introduction of three new enthusiastic students recently, Jayden, Thomas and James, has boosted research activity and analysis, movie editing etc. Skipper Andrew’s work with the new students and Ellis is outstanding, equipping them with a broad range of skills and experiences in employability in boating and marine services.
A wonderful community Citizen Science project highly valued and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

58th Australian Mammal Conference KI Dolphin Watch Poster Presentation Sep 25th 2012

The Dolphin Watch Poster Presentation at the 58th Australian Mammal Conference in Port Augusta on September 25th created considerable interest among those present. Taxonomists were particularly interested in the similarities displayed in the photographic images to the recently discovered species: the Burrunan Dolphin – Tursiops australis.
The potential for follow up research effort is considerable. The Marine Mammal Symposium on the first day of the conference proved fascinating and enlightening. Special thanks to the organising committee and everyone involved in this wonderful event.

Sacred Heart University Students on the Island Explorer August 21st 2012

Professor Yoshi Nagata, staff and students from Sacred Heart University participated in dolphin monitoring survey 114 off North Cape on 21st August, as a component of a very successful KI Sustainability Tour organised by Jennie and Bob Teasdale of People Perspectives. The high quality data collected enabled identification of a number of known and new dolphins, and the groups interest, support, enthusiasm and excellent company was a delight. This was the third group of wonderful Japanese students and teachers to participate in Dolphin Watch on Kangaroo Island thanks to Yoshi and People Perspectives.
Grateful thanks to everyone involved!

St Peters College students and staff brave the elements on “The Big Duck”

The St Peter’s College Dolphin Watch programme was completed on Friday 16th August and over the period of activity, some outstanding data collection was achieved. Even in inclement weather conditions the students performed brilliantly and their efforts resulted in a number of new animals being added to the catalogue and some interesting data regarding movements of known animals being recorded. Special thanks to head of Outdoor Education Curtis Eyles and staff Daniel and Gareth and the students for their fantastic work.

Harley and assistant Charlie on Youth Connect Dolphin Watch July 23rd 2012

Congratulations to Harley Dunstan, a long term Dolphin Watch volunteer, on receiving the Kangaroo Island Young Achiever of the Year Award for 2012. His fantastic efforts on behalf of Kangaroo Island Youth over many years has been duly acknowledged by this accolade which is so well deserved. Beginning as an active and enthusiastic student participant in Dolphin Watch, Harley has become a much valued community volunteer and mentor since completing Year 12 in 2011. Thank you and well done Harley!!