The Dolphin Research Institute has been awarded a grant from the 2024 Port Phillip Bay Fund to create five free, story-driven ebooks, each highlighting a unique aspect of what makes Port Phillip so special. This project is named “Discover Port Phillip Bay: Water & Wildlife Stories“. These ebooks will explore marine megafauna, sea and shorebirds, rocky shore creatures, iconic Port Phillip landmarks and history, and the overall health of the bay. Our goal is to shift perspectives and inspire individuals to take responsibility for protecting our environment.
We are eager to collaborate with our local community, not just in crafting the stories, but also by incorporating your images! We invite community members to submit their photos, whether you’re a professional photographer or simply have a good underwater camera—we want to see your images!
If you would like to provide images, you will be given full credit as the photographer in the ebooks.
Below, we have outlined the types of images we’re seeking for each ebook. All images must be taken in the Port Phillip Bay region. If any faces are visible in your photos, please ensure you have obtained explicit permission from the individuals. All images must be taken legally and be taken by yourself. Whilst taking images you must respect and follow all relevant regulations including but not limited to animal approach distances, CASA aviation laws, government and private property regulations.
Marine Megafauna
- Rays (smooth ray, fiddler ray, stingaree)
- Sharks (port jackson, wobbegong, gummy shark and seven gill etc)
Sea and Shorebirds
- Ruddy turn stone
- Pacific gull
- Black swan
- Cormorant
- Crested tern
- Hooded plover
- Little penguins
- Sooty oystercatcher
Rocky Shore creatures
- Chiton
- Gastropods (Periwinkle, Limpets, Cone Snail, Elephant Snail)
- Blue ringed octopus
- Sea urchins
- Shore crabs
- Seaweeds (Ulva aka sea lettuce, mermaids necklace, undaria, golden kelp)
- Sponges
- Seastars (Eleven arm, brittle stars, northern pacific)
Landmarks
- Mud Island
- Port Phillip Heads inc Point Nepean and Point Lonsdale
- Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary
- Swan Bay
- South Channel island and fort
Health of the Bay
- Aquaculture and fishing (Mussel farms, commercial fishing etc)
- Algae blooms
- Estuary or land run off plumes
If you’d like to contribute to this project by submitting images, please submit your high-resolution images below. Be sure to include your full name, the subject of the image, and where and when it was taken. Please note that due to quality, suitability, and the volume of submissions, some images may not be included in the final ebooks.
ALL IMAGES MUST BE SUBMITTED BY THE 31ST OF DECEMBER 2024
If you have any questions regarding image submissions please get in contact with us.
