Dolphin Research Australia is a charitable grass-roots marine conservation organisation. Our mission is to increase the knowledge and conservation of dolphins, whales, marine life and their ocean habitats through research, education and advocacy.
Our Purpose
Our oceans and marine life are under ever increasing pressure and at risk of extinction due to a cocktail of threats from human activities. Cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) are crucial to maintaining healthy, functioning ecosystems. The toothed cetacean species (including dolphins) are higher-order predators and can act as bioindicators to assess the health of coastal and marine ecosystems. Current trends indicate an increasing number of cetacean species and populations are in decline due to devastating threats from human activities. These trends are greatly concerning as the intensity of human activities also continues to rise, particularly in coastal regions.
It is crucial that effective conservation measures are in place to ensure the protection of marine life and biodiversity and reverse current trends. Our work focuses on improving the understanding and protection of cetaceans, marine live and ecosystems through research, education and conservation actions. Through increased knowledge, awareness and stewardship.
Together we can ensure the conservation and protection of our fragile marine life and oceans for future generations to come.
Our Story
Dolphin Research Australia was established in 2012 by like-minded and passionate scientists, educators, conservationists and business people, with a collective vision to improve the health, sustainability and protection of marine life and our natural world.
Our Objectives
- Aid in the protection and conservation of dolphins, whales and other marine life through research, education and advocacy.
- Undertake and support research programs that assist to understand key aspects of the ecology, health and well being of dolphins, whales and other marine life that are essential to their survival.
- Take positive actions to address and reduce the key threats to marine life and our oceans from human activities.
- Empower communities by increasing environmental awareness and conservation issues through education and outreach programs.
Our Impact
Since 2012, Dolphin Research Australia has reached many milestones on a very limited shoestring budget!
Here’s just a few of the achievements our grass-roots organisation since 2012;
- > 250 volunteers
- > 4,600 citizen science field research hours
- > 1,139 field surveys
- > 2,513 dolphins identified in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales
- > 46 injured, stranded or deceased dolphins and whales assisted
- > 500 members
- > 24 scientific publications
- > 3,050 people educated in our formal education programs and many more through our community engagement opportunities and presentations
- We have conducted numerous marine debris surveys, collected over 5,000 pieces of trash off our beaches.
- We have also developed 11 education programs for school groups and the community
Find out more about our Ocean Education & Conservation Programs
We are a registered charity with major projects in South East Queensland and Northern New South Wales.
Charitable registration # CFN/22756; Incorporated Registration INC 9897279.