SUNDAY, May 7 marks the sixth year of the annual Port Stephens Community Dolphin Census.
The Port Stephens Community Dolphin Census Day is organised by National Parks and Wildlife Services and the DREAM project.
Department of Environment & Conservation's Parks and Wildlife Ranger for the Hunter Region, Katherine Harrison, explained that the DREAM (Dolphin Research Education and Management) Project started in 1988, when a small group, including dolphin watching commercial operators, in cooperation with the National Parks and Wildlife Service recognised a need for research on the dolphins in the bay.
The National Parks and Wildlife Service and the DREAM Project invite nominations from community groups, families and individuals to be dolphin researchers for a day.
All it takes is half an hour of your time - from 11am to 11.30am on Sunday, May 7, where you will be watching for, and recording dolphins you see at your allocated census point around the port.
Ms Harrison explained that a total of 150 sites are set up around the bay on the coast and on the water.
"Sites are scattered from Big Swan Bay and Karuah River Bridge, to Tomaree Head and Yacaaba Head in Port Stephens," she said.
Last year was a great success with 101 dolphin sightings.
"The survey conducted last year attracted 82 volunteers and four commercial tour operators, in addition to 12 NPWS staff," said Ms Harrison.
Scientific dolphin research has finished for the moment in Port Stephens, so the information gathered during this year's survey will form the only regular dolphin survey for the port this year.
"The community dolphin census compliments the scientific research, and aims to survey the entire bay at one time to take a snap shot in a 30 minute period on one day to establish an idea of how many dolphins are in Port Stephens and where they are at that time," continued Ms Harrison.
She explained that the census takes place after the carving season and helps to estimate the population size and the distribution of the animals in the bay.
"The day is important in raising awareness in the community about the dolphin population and compliments the more detailed scientific research that is carried out," added Ms Harrison.
"The dolphin population appears stable, however it is important to gather enough information about the local dolphin population to be able to make informed decisions.
"There is approximately 100-150 animals within the bay area, which are divided into three separate groups using separate parts of the bay - the heads, mid port and the western port," she said.
So if you are in town it would be great if you could spare half an hour from 11am on Sunday, May 7, to help with this important day. All you have to do is take in the view wherever your allotted observation site is and count dolphins.
"If each area of the port, including the rivers, have a dolphin census at the same time (11 - 11.30am) we will be able to know how many dolphins are in Port Stephens and where they go at that time," explained Ms Harrison.
After many years of doing the same survey at the same time, dolphin movement trends may be able to be determined.
"Wildlife in Port Stephens is under increasing pressure and potential impact from boating activities and are vulnerable to boat strike when surfacing to breathe.
"It is important to raise awareness of the dolphins and other marine life and the correct boating behaviour around these animals," she concluded.
If you would like to become involved in the Port Stephens Community Dolphin Census Day, just fill out the nomination form in last week's paper and return it by April 28 to:
Port Stephens Dolphin Census National Parks and Wildlife Service
Locked Bag 99
Nelson Bay Delivery Centre 2315
All nominees will be contacted by May 5 to allocate census points.
Alternatively, you can fax your form to 4981 5913 or phone - 4984 8251 for more details.
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