Join us for one of our Community Dolphin Watch Citizen Science Survey’s in the Gold Coast on 1st March 2025. We will be conducting a Dolphin Watch Citizen Science survey from the Point Danger Headland. If you’d like to join us, please send us an email info@dolphinresearchaustralia.org
- Gold Coast, QLD, Australia
Gold Coast Dolphin Watch Survey
Gold Coast Dolphin Watch Survey
How long do observations need to be?
- On the day
How do I get started?
- Please email us at info@dolphinresearchaustralia.org expressing interest, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Where?
- Point Danger, Gold Coast, Queensland
How many hours are required?
- 1 hour minimum
Experience Level
- Beginner
Training Required
- Yes
Program Partners
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Gold Coast Dolphin Watch Survey
Registration Form
FAQs
Do I have to complete the training in order to participate in a Dolphin Watch Census?
o All participants are strongly encouraged to complete the training.
o If you are leading a group to complete a Dolphin Watch survey, you must complete the training.
Can I do a Dolphin Watch survey on other days other than the allocated Dolphin Watch Census Day?
Yes, you can do a Dolphin Watch survey anytime and contribute survey and opportunistic data all year round.
Do I record whales during the survey?
Yes, record all whale and dolphin species you see.
Do I record my Dolphin Watch survey if I don’t see any dolphins?
Yes! It is very useful to record and upload your survey data even if you don’t see any dolphins. This is still valuable data!
What to do if weather conditions are unfavourable on the day of the Census?
We hope that the weather will be fine and sunny for the 12 th April, however, in the event that weather conditions are unfavourable, you can still do your survey on another day. This may differ between regions, so please let us know an alternative date you can complete your survey (preferably within 7 days around the 12th April).
If I am participating in the survey for Dolphin Watch or the NSW Dolphin Census do I need to abide by the NSW Dolphin Watching Regulations and approach distances?
Yes, there are no exceptions to this. [NSW Dolphin Watching Regulations]
What happens to the data from the Dolphin Census and Dolphin Watch Citizen Science Programs?
o Data will be used to understand the status and distribution of dolphins in New South Wales, with results publicly reported via Dolphin Research Australia website.
o In line with best practice principles of citizen science, all data collected will be publicly accessible and contribute to the Atlas of Living Australia open-source data. This also provides a valuable historical record for future generations.
