Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch Conservation at its best

We would love to share a story about a remarkable local couple, whom we all admire dearly. Tony and Phyll Bartram have devoted the last 19 years to our marine life and the Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch.

Since its inception in 2005, Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch has been a shining example of volunteer-led conservation. The founders Tony and Phyll Bartram, are the heart and soul of this project, they are wonderful ambassadors for our dolphins and Kangaroo Island and the loveliest people you will ever meet! They have been instrumental in gathering invaluable data on dolphin movements, behaviours, and habitat preferences in the waters surrounding Kangaroo Island and Victor Harbor. The Victor Harbor Manager Nedra Haines is also a dedicated volunteer, along with countless others.

Phyll and Tony Bartram

They are preparing for its 389th Citizen Science dolphin monitoring survey, spanning over 19 years across the breath-taking waters of Kangaroo Island. Marine Adventures, The Big Duck Boat Tours, and Sealink, are dedicated sponsors, it’s a moment to celebrate the dedication and passion behind this great community initiative.

Utilizing cutting-edge photographic identification techniques, Citizen Scientists meticulously document individual dolphins, providing vital insights for international studies. What started as a program for senior students has blossomed into a community endeavour, welcoming volunteers of all ages to actively participate in data collection, analysis, and cataloguing.

Beyond its scientific significance, by providing insights into the conservation and protection of dolphins as a keystone species. It also offers enormous benefits to members of the community at large, providing opportunities to enhance mental health and wellbeing and fostering positive, meaningful social connections and interactions.

The group use world-class photographic identification techniques to identify individual dolphins by distinctive dorsal fins and body markings, providing vital data for study of international significance.

distinctive dorsal fins and body markings for identification

Dolphin Watch is solely organised, managed, and operated by volunteers and survives on sponsorship and donations, making any support given a game changer for the organisation, enabling it to continue to monitor and gather data regarding the movements of dolphins in the regional waters.

Yet, Dolphin Watch’s impact extends beyond the realm of scientific research. It challenges the ethics of dolphin captivity, advocating for the preservation of their natural habitats. As highly intelligent beings with complex social structures, dolphins thrive in the rich ocean environments they call home.

Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch’s dedication to dolphin welfare and conservation has not gone unnoticed. They have won numerous awards over the years and in 2023, the project was honoured with the prestigious Ryde International Connecting Communities Award, underscoring its role in bridging science, community, and conservation.

In essence, Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch is more than just a research project—it’s a testament to the power of community-driven initiatives in safeguarding our precious marine ecosystems.

Phyll and Tony Bartram doing what they love best

We believe that we also pay a small part for conserving our environment here at Emu Ridge, with our conservation and farming of our natural resources in a sustainable way. A little about us.

“Emu Ridge Sustainable Practices, Sustainable Future”: Emu Ridge Sanctuary, as dedicated conservationists, prioritizes sustainable practices aimed at reducing its environmental impact while fostering eco-friendly tourism. With initiatives ranging from renewable energy. The first 20 years, we relied on a 5-horsepower Liberty steam engine, designed by Rod Muller of Strath Steam, alongside solar panels and later a wind generator. In 2012, we connected to the grid due to growth challenges. Yet, our commitment to sustainability remains strong. In 2023 we upgraded our solar to a new 30kVA  solar system, we also have waste reduction programs and water conservation, in place, we strive to lead by example in conservation management. For instance, Larry has constructed levy banks to mitigate flood risks and capture the water that falls on our property, we’ve planted reeds along the levy banks sourced from our lagoons to serve as natural water filters, aiding in purification processes. These reeds, known for their ability to absorb pollutants and excess nutrients, play a crucial role in maintaining water quality. We have protected and preserved the natural habitat  within  our sanctuary. This has involved reforestation efforts, with the help of trees for life we have planted many trees for koalas and the endangered glossy black cockatoo to be able to live and thrive. We also manage invasive species. As well as farming a sustainable tree for eucalyptus oil within our sanctuary, because our tree is native we dont have to use any sprays or chemicals and we can re-harvest every one to two years. All great for the carbon footprint!

Images from Kangaroo Island Dolphin Watches facebook page. We hope you have enjoy this precious story.

~Bev~