Support for local dolphin researcher - 18 April 2008
Between March and December last year Holly Smith spent 51 days on the waters of Koombana Bay, observed 218 dolphin groups and conducted 56 population, movement and habitat surveys.
Ms Smith’s hard work and dedication is part of her PhD thesis studies into the local dolphin population and has earned her a $9000 scholarship, which was presented to her by South West MLC Adele Farina today (Friday, April 18).
“Holly has been part of studies that have photographically identified 100 individual dolphins that visit Koombana Bay,” Ms Farina said.
“Holly’s work has focussed on evaluating the size of the local bottlenose dolphin population, their habitat use and their seasonal movement.
“This money will support her ongoing efforts and is part of a three year ecology and biology research scholarship for the local dolphin population provided by the State Government through the South West Development Commission.
“Murdoch University also support the sponsorship. The university’s research leadership fellow Dr Lars Bejder is project leader at the Bunbury Dolphin Discovery Centre and Holly’s thesis supervisor.”
Ms Farina said the work carried out by Dr Bejder, Ms Smith and the BDDC not only advantaged the dolphins, but Bunbury and the South West.
“The research will help determine the long term viability and sustainability of the Bunbury dolphin population,” Ms Farina said.
“This information will be invaluable for planning the management of the tourism industry based on interactions with the dolphins at the BDDC site.”
Ms Smith will continue her research this year, using satellite imagery, underwater video and scuba surveys to build on her findings.
Media contact:
Scott Maclean