Overview
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The Dolphin Research Institute is a well-managed and sustainable not-for-profit conservation organisation. The Institute is self-funded from the community, the corporate sector and government grants, employing biologists and educators to work with our volunteers and students on structured and outcome-driven projects.
As an "Approved Research Institute", all donations over $2 received by the Institute are tax deductible (in Australia). The Dolphin Research Institute is also listed on the Register of Environment Organisations, with the Australian Government Department of the Environment and Heritage. Donations to DRI are highly effective - we consistently achieve over 80% of expenditure being directed towards our core research and education activities, with administration and overhead costs minimised by our efficient use of resources and volunteers. A detailed review of DRI's operations can be seen in our Annual Report.
The Institute's Marine Conservation Centre is based at the Western Port Marina, on the shores of Western Port Bay at Hastings, south-east of Melbourne in Australia. The Centre is located near two of Victoria's recently declared Marine National Parks. Our research programs have helped us to understand the threats facing the dolphins and to develop strategies to manage these threats. Education and media programs have raised the awareness of the community and resulted in a more caring behaviour around the dolphins on the water.
A number of grants from government departments and philanthropic trusts and on-going support from sponsors from the public, through the Adopt-a-Dolphin program, are a recognition of our achievements and our standing in the community. The Dolphin Research Institute needs support to continue our work and to fill the gaps in our understanding and to act to protect the entire marine environment. Go to How you can help to find out how to get involved.
We must act to stop the tragedies that are being inflicted on dolphins around the country and ensure that our dolphins in Victoria are protected from similar fates, so that future generations can also be touched by these smiling ambassadors for the sea.
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