ORRCA is leading a citizen science monitoring program in Port Stephens, NSW, to track the isolated and genetically distinct Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) population. This initiative builds on the solid foundation established by the Marine Parks Association (MPA), which effectively conducted annual dolphin censuses until 2019. In 2024, ORRCA received approval to resume and expand upon this monitoring effort.
ORRCA's Research Committee, which includes scientists and dedicated volunteers, will lead this community-driven project, engaging with local eco-tourism operators, photographers and citizen science volunteers, to collect observational data (i.e. imagery, video, GPS). By identifying individual dolphins through their distinctive dorsal fin markings, pod relationships, researchers will be able to analyse spatio-temporal trends to provide an estimate to population abundance and structure.
Port Stephens is recognised as the dolphin-watching capital of Australia, with dolphin tourism playing a significant role in the local economy and community identity. This citizen science approach not only strengthens scientific research within this area, but also engages the local community, fostering a deeper connection to the conservation of this unique dolphin population.