Remembering Angel…..

Somehow we knew the day would be different….                                                                          

Bottlenose dolphin Tiki surrounded by a large group of dolphins.
Tiki carrying her deceased calf Angel

All surveys are special.

S122 in December 2012 to Dashwood Bay in the Mission Blue www.missionblue.org North Coast Hope Spot was unique. Every one of the Citizen Science volunteers felt we were privileged to witness the coming together of 2 large groups of Bottlenose dolphins, participating in apparent mourning,  grieving behaviours for one of their own….tiny little Angel, Tiki’s new calf.

Citizen Science volunteers at work trying to work out what was happening.
Reality hits….

We had not confirmed Tiki, with a distinctive dorsal fin, catalogued in 2006 at North Cape as female. What a tragic way to find out. Observing wildlife can be exciting, joyful and uplifting but also provides moments of great poignancy and grief.

Citizen Science volunteers using photographic identification to identify the dolphins being observed.

Approaching the bay we noticed dolphins acting differently, slowly zigzagging in a tight group in a purposeful manner out to sea. In the front Tiki was carrying something in her mouth, a large fish, small shark, or similar.  On closer inspection via binoculars Skipper Andrew Neighbour realised Tiki was carrying an emaciated body of a young calf. To the distress of all we realised we were observing a “funeral procession” in human terms, with a fellow mammal mother taking her dead child out to sea surrounded by her grieving pod.

Observing very different dolphin behaviours.
Tiki and new calf Gabriel – December 2015

The grief was palpable. Years later it is etched in our minds – extraordinary animal connectedness, empathy, and compassion of common sentience. In December 2015 we were delighted to record Tiki with an active new calf at North Cape. We called him/her Gabriel. We often think of Tiki and her calves and wonder how and where they are, and hope they are thriving.

Skipper Andrew pointing out the large pod of dolphins ahead on arrival at Dashwood Bay.

Back on the water on wonderful KI Marine Adventures www.kimarineadventures.com.au next week for S228 – what a special start to the New Year it would be to see Tiki and a healthy calf or juvenile again!

#Tiki #Angel #Gabriel #mourning #grief #loss #dolphins #marinemammals #sentientbeings #citizenscience #volunteers #photgraphicidentification #missionblue #northcoast #kangarooisland #hopespot #hope

Hope in Australia

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 14th 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.

Stefan Andrews – Great Southern Reef Hope Spot
Tony Bartram – Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot

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.

Avrah Sellar – Mission Blue Webinar Host
Anita Kolni – Sydney Coast Hope Spot
Olaf Meynecke – Gold Coast Bay Hope Spot
Alan Bradley - Houtman Abrolhos
Alan Bradley – Houtman Abrolhos Hope Spot
Marc Payne – Salisbury Island Hope Spot
Nicole Senn – Great Barrier Reef Hope Spot
Shalise Leesfield – Fish Rock Hope Spot

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!

Kangaroo Island North Coast Hope Spot – Quentin Chester

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 

“Data for Purpose: Making dolphin research effort count!” National Science Week 2022

Science Week Workshop launch at the Ozone Hotel, Kangaroo Island
Celebrating the beginning of National Science Week celebrations – Ozone Hotel Workshop

Our 12th 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.

Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines and Coordinator Tony Bartram at work in the Victor Harbor Visitors Centre Worshop.

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.

Volunteers Sue Holman and Trish Van der Linden at work – Ozone Hotel Workshop.
Photographic identification data analysis – matching dolphin dorsal fins to catalogue images.
KI Workshop Volunteers in celebration mode!

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 12th 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.

Brain Break Quiz Master volunteer Mike Cosgrove weaving his magic at the Ozone Hotel Workshop!

A series of KI / VH Dolphin Watch workshops held at the Victor Harbor Library and Visitor Information Centre for National Science Week from August 16th 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.

Science Week Victor Harbor Survey 125 volunteers and skippers on The Big Duck Boat Tours

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.

Post survey celebration lunch at the Whalers Inn.

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

Fleurieu Sun Newspaper Editor Michael Simmons with volunteers in the Victor Harbor Library Workshop.

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!

The Big Duck Skippers Johnathon and Kirk on Victor Harbor Survey 125.
Survey volunteers briefing by Coordinator Tony Bartram.
Searching for dolphins in Encounter Bay

Roll on National Science Week 2023!!!

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

#southaustralia #sagreat  #dolphins #citizenscience #conservation

Blue Water Summit – World Oceans Day 2022

“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 8th 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.

Welcome and Introduction by William Ehmcke – Blue Water Institute
Opening presentation by Greg Reitman – Blue Water Institute.
Dolphin Watch presentation by Coordinator Tony Bartram with fellow “Citizen Science to the Rescue” panellist Artist Jane Bamford

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

The Islander Newspaper on line story – June 21st 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

“Citizen Science to the Rescue” Panel: Gretta Pecl – Marine Ecologist, Jane Bamford – Ceramic Artist and Tony Bartram – Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch

Time to celebrate!

Birthday Survey crew celebrating on KI Marine Adventures at Dashwood Bay – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022
Bottlenose Calf at Dashwood Bay – Peter Fuller March 7th 2022
Happy Citizen Science volunteers on the way to the survey site – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022

Citizen Scientists at work on station at Dashwood Bay – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022

Celebrating 17 years of Citizen Science in our region!

Kangaroo Island / Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch celebrated entering the 17th 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

Bottlenose Female and Calf at Dashwood Bay – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022
Coordinator Tony Bartram’s Thankyou speech at Emu Bay Lavender Farm – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022
“The Three Birthday Kids” – celebrating their birthdays as well as Dolphin Watch! – Phyll Bartram March 7th 2022

The Mystery of Mrs Mandela

Mrs Mandela Survey 226 at Dashwood Bay – Sue Holman

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.

Unrecognisable Bottlenose dolphin observed on KI Marine Adventures at Dashwood Bay in 2018 – Nina Maurovic

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.

Mandela and Mr Wishing January 2019 Dashwood Bay – KI/VH Dolphin Watch

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.  

Mrs Mandela and new calf Scooter January 2021 – KI / VH Dolphin Watch
Mrs Mandela and Scooter January 19th 2021 Dashwood Bay – Sue Holman

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

Mrs Mandela January 2019 Dashwood Bay – Tony Bartram
Scooter and Mrs Mandela January 2022 Dashwood Bay – Sue Holman

Chompy the Champion and friends

Chompy at Cape De Couedic, Kangaroo Island January 2022 – Nikki Redman

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.

Chompy surfing at Pennington Bay, KI 2014 – Nikki Redman

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!

Quasimodo at West Bay KI 2013 – IFAW
Sellkirk at West Bay KI 2013 – IFAW
Chompy at Cape De Couedic 2022 – Nikki Redman
Chompy travelling in the company of dolphins and a sealion at Hanson Bay KI 2017 – Phyll Bartram

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 12th 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

Quasimodo with a large pod including Chompy at Pennington Bay KI in 2016, surviving and thriving! – Christian Clolus

What IS Citizen Science?

Citizen Science volunteers at work in Victor Harbor on a Big Duck Boat Tours survey – November 2017
Citizen Science volunteers at work at North Cape, Kangaroo Island on a KI Marine Adventures survey – June 2021
Investigator College students experiencing and assisting with Citizen Science in Victor Harbor on a Big Duck Boat Tours survey – November 2021

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/

Photographic dolphin identification process in action on a survey in Victor Harbor – December 2020
Perfect dolphin survey conditions on the North Coast of KI on a KI Marine Adventures survey – October 2020
Citizen Science dolphin data collection on the Big Duck Boat Tours, assisted by Skipper Ian Andrews – April 2018

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

Citizen Science Volunteers / photographers at work at North Cape, Kangaroo Island on a KI Marine Adventures survey – June 2021
Citizen Science volunteers in action at Victor Harbor – February 2018
Dolphin data collection at North Cape, Kangaroo Island on KI Marine Adventures assisted by Skipper Andrew Neighbour – June 2021
Perfect survey conditions monitoring Bottlenose dolphins on survey on KI Marine Adventures at Dashwood Bay, Kangaroo Island – Roger Foster April 2018

SA Science Awards 2021

SA Citizen Science Awards Finalists and Winners Presentations – KI / VH Dolphin Watch

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.

Coordinator Tony Bartram accepting the Community Engagement Award

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.

SA Citizen Science Awards 2021 Finalists and Winners

An invitation to attend the inspiring SA Science Awards at Tonsley Innovation Centre on 26th 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.

Randy Larcombe’s Dolphin Watch video presentation at the SA Science Awards 2021

Awards Winners’ Celebrations!

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

#conservation #love #gratitude

Using the data!

A Dolphin Watch Workshop in action!

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.

Survey 222 at Dashwood Bay, Kangaroo Island – October 2021

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.

Citizen Scientists at work on Survey in 2019 with Channel 7 Ron Kandelaars on board – Dashwood Bay, KI

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.

Entering data on Island Mind Database

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.

It’s all about the angles!

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