Welcome
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Winter 2008 Newsletter
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Good news from the Gippsland Lakes of DRI
Find out about our latest findings with the dolphins in the Gippsland Lakes.
Read Read about the activities of our team and the development of “i sea, i care”®... Read more...
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DRI on News story for being finalist in Awards
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DRI has been chosen as a finalist in the Telstra Environment Awards for our work in research, education and conservation.
See a news clip at our Gallery
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NEW... "i sea, i care"® Champions Program
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Here is another exciting way for individuals, community groups and corporates to support our work... through the new "i sea, i care"® Champions Program.
Based on our groundbreaking “i sea, i care”® School Ambassadors Program, the new “i sea, i care”® Champions Program is built on a positive culture of “seeking solutions” rather than “blaming and complaining”. As an “i sea, i care”® Champion, your business or community group support will achieve lasting, balanced and constructive outcomes. More...
Follow the link to download a form.
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Research Update
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DRI Researchers have analysed approximately 20,000 photographs, looking for distinctive features, marks or scratches on dorsal fins that can be used to identify individual dolphins...
Strong relationships have been identified within a small group of males that has lasted at least 10 years. A new population study has been established in Victoria... read more...
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High Mercury Contamination found in Victorian Dolphins
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Study results showing high mercury levels in Victorian dolphins, compared to most of the rest of the world, could be linked to recent deaths and skin lesions, particularly in the Gippsland Lakes.
The study by Alissa Monk, a Monash University Honours Student, was a partnership with The Dolphin Research Institute and Monash University and supported by Coast Action/Coastcare, The West Gippsland CMA and the Gippsland Lakes Taskforce. The work was supervised by Dr Ross Thompson from the School of Biological Sciences.
Jeff Weir, the Dolphin Research Institute's Executive Director, says that it is crucial for the conservation of Victorian Dolphins to expand on Alissa’s work.
Ms Monk's findings, added to the environmental issues facing both the Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip, have added urgency to the need for further and more intensive studies.
For more information contact: (Australia)
Jeff Weir, Executive Director DRI: 1300 130 949
Alissa Monk- Primary Researcher, Honours student, School of Biological Sciences, Monash University 0402551376
Dr Ross Thompson- Supervisor and Lecturer, School of Biological Sciences and Australian Centre for Biodiversity, Monash University 03 9905 5633
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