Alliance Confirmed with KI/VH Dolphin Watch

A fitting amalgamation has been forged between Shark Watch SA and Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch over the past month. Since 2005, Phyll and Tony Bartram have directed an award winning, data rich, citizen led, regional volunteer project in partnership with Whale and Dolphin Conservation, monitoring dolphin populations in South Australia, on Kangaroo Island since 2005 and Victor Harbor since 2011. 

Developing understandings of custodianship of these fascinating creatures and their habitats, dolphins are monitored unobtrusively, minimising impacts and behavioural change, collecting vital baseline data to globally inform practise. Scientists and dedicated volunteers of all ages collaborate on effective “Citizen Science” in surveys on Eco Tourism vessels: Kangaroo Island Marine Adventures and The Big Duck Boat Tours, Victor Harbor, plus land-based monitoring, contributing a staggering number of hours over 20 years. 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 sustainable, longitudinal study of extraordinary international significance.

In solidifying this monumental partnership, it was acknowledged that both Shark Watch SA and KI/VH Dolphin Watch share near identical values in ethical citizen guided research with our chosen species of Sharks, Whales, and Dolphins in the state of South Australia. Not only do the marine creatures share the same environment, but they can also be researched using similar non-invasive observatory means of identification. With twenty years of practical on the water experience studying dolphin behaviour backed by an organised and well curated standard of data logging, Shark Watch has welcomed the collaboration with KI/VH Dolphin Watch, not only because it expands our network of resources surveying the sharks domain, but also because the experience and expertise of Tony and Phyll will help coordinate an organised and credible standard of shark research with future Shark Watch projects.

Both organisations firmly believe that inviting the community to explore citizen led research projects for Sharks, Dolphins, and Whales, can facilitate life changing experiences which overcome negative perceptions derived from misi

nformation or lack of critical knowledge, instead promoting a healthier/conservative mindset towards marine life and our oceans.

Phyll and Tony Bartram (left), Founders of KI/VH Dolphin Watch, and the Shark Watch SA team.