• New South Wales, Australia

New South Wales Dolphin Census

New South Wales Dolphin Census

Help fill vital knowledge gaps about dolphin populations in New South Wales.

Join the New South Wales Dolphin Census!

Join the NSW Dolphin Census and help us learn more about dolphin populations across the state! We are calling on beachgoers and marine users to observe and count dolphins along the coast, bays, and estuaries on 12th April 2025.

As a citizen scientist, your participation will provide a valuable snapshot of dolphin populations and help fill crucial knowledge gaps. Your observations will contribute to understanding the status, health, and conservation needs of dolphins along the New South Wales coastline. The NSW Dolphin Census is a collaborative program between Dolphin Research Australia and the
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service.

All you need to do is tell us where you will do your observations from – you can specify this when
you register.

Your safety is most important! All participants must be aware of the program’s health and safety guidelines which will be outlined in the training workshops. All participants must register and agree to the Health & Safety Statement and Conditions of Participation.

How long do observations need to be?

  • Observations are to be made for a minimum of 15 minutes continuously. You can observe for as long as you would like on the day.

How do I get started?

  • All participants must register to take part in the 2025 NSW Dolphin Census. You’ll then be sent some further information. All participants must attend one of our training workshops to learn the standard methodology how to collect data. You can register below.
Register Now

Details

When?

  • April 12, 2025 - All Day

Where?

  • You can do your observations for the NSW Dolphin Census from land, sea or even the air, as long as they are in NSW and along a coastal region that includes beaches, bays, open ocean and estuarine areas.

How many hours are required?

  • 1 hour minimum

Experience Level

  • Beginner

Training Required

  • Yes

Program Partners

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New South Wales Dolphin Census

Registration Form

Please Read the Term & Conditions of Participation - View Terms and Conditions.

FAQs

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.

Yes, all participants must register to participate in the NSW Dolphin Census

Yes, you can do a Dolphin Watch survey anytime and contribute survey and opportunistic data all year round.

Yes, record all whale and dolphin species you see.

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!

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).

Yes, there are no exceptions to this. [NSW Dolphin Watching Regulations]

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.

Gold Coast Dolphin Watch Survey