THE OCEANIA PROJECT Caring for Whales Dolphins and

THE OCEANIA PROJECT Caring for Whales, Dolphins and the Oceans

What is the Oceania Project? The Oceania Project was established in 1988 by Trish and Wally Franklin(shown left) as a not for profit research and information organisation dedicated to the conservation and protection of Whales, Dolphins and the Oceans. The project is dedicated to the care and conservation of Cetacea (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises) through research, dissemination of information, education and net-working. “Two decades of dedication to independent research”

Key Objectives • Promote community awareness , instigate and maintain the process of rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Cetacea and the Oceans • Undertake scientific research of Cetacea and the Oceans for the benefit of the community • Provide environmentally sensitive Ocean platforms for non -manipulative research, education and experiential programmes of Cetacea and the Oceans using sensitive vessels • Educate and promote a community awareness and understanding of the significance of Cetacea and the Oceans

Key Objectives Cont’d Establish and maintain facilities and services necessary to disseminate and present information about Cetacea and the Oceans Promote worldwide awareness of the need for the rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Cetacea and the Oceans by liaising and communicating with international governments and bodies and relevant organisations and individuals.

Current Research Projects Currently the Oceania project is undergoing five research projects within the Hervey Bay Marine Park. 1. Long term photo identification survey’s of the Humpback Whales. This entails the study humpback whale behavioural and social organisation and population dynamics. 2. Integration of photo-identification and genetic data with Southern Cross University. 3. Photo-identification collaboration with Members of the Southern Pacific Whale Research Consortium. 4. DNA Analysis of Humpback Whale faeces in collaboration with the Australian Antarctic Division. 5. A Whale habitat monitoring Program with the Queensland Environment Protection Agency.

Where is the Research taking place? The research is being conducted in Hervey Bay which is formed by Fraser Island mainland Australia and is located off the south-east coast of Queensland. Fraser Island is south of the Great Barrier Reef and extends in a north easterly direction away from the coastline of Australia. Its northern end is in close proximity to the edge of the continental shelf.

What can you do to help? 1 Check Action Alerts and send an email, fax or letter in support of a current campaign. Action Alerts can be found at the following web email address; http: //www. oceania. org. au/soundnet/cover. html#Action. Alerts 2 Become an i. Whales Subscriber. You can do so by following link; http: //www. oceania. org. au/iwhales/portal/home. php? cat=274 3 Download Movies or other content from i. Whales.

What can you do to help? Cont’d 4 Join the Annual Whale Research Expedition to Hervey Bay. 5 Help fund the equipment and materials needed for the work.

Can I become involved? As an individual there are many opportunities to assist in the Oceania Project. These include the funding of equipment crucial in collecting data. Currently the project is seeking funding for the purchase of a new mobile data station to input data when at sea. The benefits of this mobile station include; 1. Display for review and analysis the Fluke and Dorsal photography. 2. Provide internet access for email communications and web updates. 3. Produce and project interpretative and educational segments. 4. Serve as a data entry workstation for the data logs 5. Enable the downloading of Digital Video and Photographs. 6. Allow Expedition Participants to explore the Website.

Internship By joining the internship program you will become part of a humpback whale research team. Duties include assisting with pod observations, sloughed skin collection, recording GIS spatial data, water quality sampling, environmental readings, or on the 'Chef 'or galley roster. Rosters are rotated daily to enable all member of the crew to diversify and try all activities The internship gives individuals the opportunity to help analyse crucial data which is paramount in preserving Humpback Whales. Participants wanting to join the whale research team can follow the following link; http: //www. oceania. org. au/expedition/join. html