Dolphin Research Australia

Dolphin Research Australia Dolphin Research Australia | Ocean Education & Conservation is a marine conservation charity.

Dolphin Research Australia is a marine conservation charity dedicated to increasing the understanding of the ecology of dolphins, whales, their needs for survival, and improve their conservation and the protection of their marine habitats. To achieve this mission we integrate research, education and advocacy programs. Our long-term research programs aim to assess the status and health of coastal d

olphin populations that are among the most vulnerable marine animals due to their close proximity to dense human activities. Our education and outreach programs integrate deep ecology theory connecting people with nature to empower action and stewardship of the environment. We also offer independent expert advice to government and non-government entities to provide a voice for dolphins, whales and marine life to improve management and conservation actions, and to minimise the negative impacts from human activities. We believe through increased knowledge, awareness and action, we can help to ensure the conservation and protection of our fragile marine life for future generations to come. We do all of this with the assistance of an incredible team of passionate volunteers.

12/06/2026

Ready for Whale Watching Season!

We’ve had an awesome couple of days delivering our Whale Watch Guide & Operator Training with the fantastic team from Byron Bay Dive Centre, Byron Bay Whale Watching, and Byron Sea Turtle School.
 
From whale biology, behaviour & conservation to responsible wildlife viewing and the latest research insights, the crew is now fully prepped and ready for another incredible whale watching season!

We’re fortunate to have such passionate operators such as this team, in our Byron-Tweed Hope Spot who are committed to providing not only unforgettable experiences, but also helping visitors develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of these magnificent animals whilst implementing responsible best-practice whale watching operations.

As the humpback whale migration starts along the East Coast of Australia, there’s no better time to get out on the water and witness one of nature’s greatest spectacles. You might even encounter some of our toothed whale species – including the short-beaked common dolphin during your tour.  

We can't wait to see what this whale season has in store!

 

MarineConservation ProtectWhatYouLove

05/06/2026

Happy World Environment Day! 🌏🐬

What better way to celebrate than by spending the day protecting and learning about our local environment.

Today, we're out across the Tweed Shire conducting dolphin surveys alongside local schools. Students are stationed on the headlands carrying out land-based surveys, while our research team is on the Tweed River collecting data as part of the final surveys for the NSW Dolphin Census.

It's inspiring to see the next generation actively involved in conservation and helping us better understand and protect our local dolphin populations.

GC Dolphin Watch Citizen Science WorkshopEver wondered how to spot and identify the dolphins along our coastline? 🐬Join ...
01/06/2026

GC Dolphin Watch Citizen Science Workshop
Ever wondered how to spot and identify the dolphins along our coastline? 🐬
Join us for the Gold Coast Dolphin Watch Citizen Science Training Workshop on 13 June at Point Danger, Coolangatta.

You’ll meet our expert team, learn how to identify local dolphin species, understand their behaviours, and take part in a real land‑based Dolphin Watch survey. It’s free, hands‑on and a great way to support marine conservation and citizen science in South East Queensland.

When: Saturday, 13 June 2026, 8–11am
Where: Point Danger, Coolangatta
Cost: FREE (optional $30 membership)

Spots are limited — book now via Humanitix to secure your place. Find more information here: https://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org/dolphin-workshop/gold-coast-dolphin-watch-training-workshop/

30/05/2026

The first NSW Dolphin Census is underway! 🌊 From sun up to sun down today, citizen scientists right along the NSW coastline have been keeping watch for dolphins and whales as part of the first NSW Dolphin Census.

From beaches and headlands to estuaries, bays and offshore waters, volunteers have been recording sightings and collecting valuable information to help improve our understanding of dolphin populations and habitats across the state.

We're incredibly grateful to everyone who has participated so far and to the many coastal communities that have embraced this exciting citizen science initiative.

Here's a little glimpse of the action from some of our teams in Northern New South Wales as they contribute to this important statewide effort.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers, community groups, Indigenous Land & Sea Rangers, schools, tourism operators and partners who have helped make the first NSW Dolphin Census possible.

Special thanks to for taking our Byron Bay team out on our first offshore survey of the year as part of our Ocean Voices project in the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot. We greatly appreciate your ongoing support of marine research and conservation.

And a shout out to Turtle Tours and .eco.adventures for supporting NSW Dolphin Census coastal surveys in the Tweed and Southern Gold Coast region and helping connect more people with dolphins and marine conservation.

Missed today due to weather or other commitments? Don't worry! Surveys completed up until 7 June will still be included as part of this year's NSW Dolphin Census.

The NSW Dolphin Census is delivered in partnership with Dolphin Research Australia and
And funded by the NSW Marine Estate Strategy

WhaleWatch ProtectOurDolphins NSWCoast OceanConservation

Celebrating Our Volunteers This National Volunteer WeekFrom early mornings on the water to community events, citizen sci...
23/05/2026

Celebrating Our Volunteers This National Volunteer Week

From early mornings on the water to community events, citizen science surveys, education programs, strandings response, data processing, beach clean-ups, and conservation action—our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.

This National Volunteer Week, we want to say a huge thank you to our incredible community of Dolphin Ambassadors, citizen scientists, Ocean Champions, education volunteers, and conservation supporters who dedicate their time, skills, and passion to helping protect marine life and coastal ecosystems.

Your efforts help make long-term dolphin and whale research, biodiversity research, habitat regeneration & monitoring, ocean education, citizen science, and marine conservation possible.

Together, you are helping create healthier oceans and a stronger future for marine life. 🌊🐬

Thank you for being part of the journey.

23/05/2026

🐬 The countdown is on for the first NSW Dolphin Census! 🌊

Over the past 2 weeks, our team has been travelling up and down the NSW coast helping prepare citizen scientists for Census Day on 30 May.

From in-person workshops with local communities, school teachers and Indigenous Land & Sea Rangers across the Mid and North Coast, to hundreds more participants completing our online training and eLearning options from home across the state — it’s been incredible seeing coastal communities come together for dolphins & whales!

A huge thank you to:
🌊 Tasman Holiday Parks - North Star for supporting our Hastings Point workshop
🌿 Barray Land & Sea Rangers for hosting us in Forster
🐬 Gumbaynggirr Land & Sea Rangers for welcoming us to Coffs Harbour

We’re also excited to see local ecotourism operators in the Tweed & Byron getting involved with special Dolphin Watch trips for the Census weekend — shout out to Tweed Turtle Tours & Cooly Eco Adventures 💙 Our team will also be heading out in Byron thanks to Byron Sea Turtle School !

Together, citizen scientists across the state will help create a valuable snapshot of dolphin populations and habitat use along the NSW coastline, helping improve knowledge and support future conservation efforts.

There’s still time to get involved!

🐬 No experience needed
💻 Online training still available
📍 NSW Dolphin Census – Saturday 30 May 2026

👉 Register now:
https://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org/dolphin-census/new-south-wales/

The NSW Dolphin Census is a collaborative program between Dolphin Research Australia and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service, proudly funded by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.



.eco.adventures

15/05/2026

🐬 NSW coastal communities are coming together for dolphins and whales.

From beaches and headlands to estuaries and bays — citizen science volunteers across the state will help count dolphins on 30 May.

There’s still time to join us!

Join a training workshop or course before 30th May
Online & in-person training available

Register now
https://www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org/dolphin-census/new-south-wales/ (link also in insta bio)




Remembering Arna (ID #1172) a long-term resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Wajung, from the Cape Byron dolphin co...
13/05/2026

Remembering Arna (ID #1172) a long-term resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, Wajung, from the Cape Byron dolphin community

We first recorded in 2019, and since then, Arna was encountered on every Byron Bay survey. He was an adult male with strong social bonds to other long-term resident dolphins of the Cape Byron community.

On 17th April, Arna was found washed ashore at New Brighton. Our team attended alongside the Tweed-Byron Aboriginal Land Council Rangers, fellow marine scientist , and with the assistance of the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service to assess the animal. While Arna was an elderly dolphin, there were no other obvious signs of cause of death. Arna was buried at sea.

Stories like Arna’s highlight why long-term monitoring matters. Along much of our coastline, we still know very little about the health, survival, movements, and life histories of dolphin populations. Through our long-term research, we are slowly beginning to piece together their stories—understanding social bonds, habitat use, population health, and the pressures these animals face in a changing coastal environment.

This on-going research is only possible through ongoing research, collaboration, and community support.

As part of the NSW Dolphin Census, all participants can join one of our upcoming FREE training workshops to learn how to...
08/05/2026

As part of the NSW Dolphin Census, all participants can join one of our upcoming FREE training workshops to learn how to become a dolphin & whale citizen scientist and contribute valuable observations help fill vital knowledge gaps.

📍 Upcoming In-Person Workshops
• Hastings Point, Tweed – Friday 15 May (& Saturday 16th May field practical)
• Lennox Head – Saturday 23 May

💻 Prefer to learn online?
We’re also offering:
• Self-paced eLearning training
• Live online webinar training

Training includes:
🐬 Dolphin species identification
🌊 Behaviour interpretation
📋 Survey methods & protocols
🔎 How to safely collect observations for the Census

No experience is needed — just a love for the ocean and curiosity about dolphins.
By joining together as coastal communities across NSW, we can help build a valuable snapshot of dolphin populations and improve understanding of their conservation needs along our coastline.

👉 Register now:
www.dolphinresearchaustralia.org/dolphin-census/new-south-wales/
The NSW Dolphin Census is a collaborative program between Dolphin Research Australia and NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service and proudly funded by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service

Taking action for our oceans starts with empowering the next generation - on a special day, the 100th birthday of Sir Da...
08/05/2026

Taking action for our oceans starts with empowering the next generation - on a special day, the 100th birthday of Sir David Attenborough

Today we joined the local Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence Coastal Guardians Action Day at Cudgen Creek, Kingscliff, where more than 40 primary and high school students took part in hands-on environmental conservation activities as part of our Byron–Tweed Hope Spot Ocean Champion Program.

Students rolled up their sleeves to record biodiversity, test water quality, and complete seagrass and litter surveys—taking grass-roots action to care for their local coastal environment.

The day also included students taking their own Ocean Champion Pledge—committing to positive actions to help protect marine life and our oceans.

It was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm, curiosity, and passion for protecting our coastal ecosystems from the next generation of Ocean Champions. 💙

Our Ocean Champions Program is proudly supported by Patagonia 1% for the Planet.
Learn more about the program: https://oceanconservation.org.au/ocean-champions-program/

MarineConservation ProtectWhatYouLove CudgenCreek missionblue hopespot

@ Coastal Academy of STEM Excellence

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Byron Bay, NSW

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