An evening with whales and dolphins

Coffs Harbour residents will be able to hear all about the latest research into dolphins and humpback whales, protection of the marine habitat and moves to resume commercial whaling, at a talk at the National Marine Science Centre on Monday, June 20.

'An evening with whales and dolphins' will be jointly presented by researchers from Southern Cross University's Whale Research Centre and the non-profit organisation Whales Alives.

Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre director Associate Professor Peter Harrison said this would be a great opportunity for people in the Coffs Harbour region to hear about the latest research being carried out in this region.

"We have just launched an expanded five-month land and sea survey of humpback whales which will provide us with the most detailed information on the current status of the eastern Australian humpback population, and other important aspects of their migration and behaviour," Professor Harrison said.

"Researchers within the Centre are also completing studies on dolphin populations along the North Coast."

Whales Alive is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the protection of whales and their fragile marine habitat. It operates in Australia, Hawaii and Tonga, providing a link between current research and the community.

It also provides a range of services including: specialised training for marine tourism operators; technical advice on marine mammal conservation; development of whale sanctuaries; consultation in development of whale watching guidelines; and marine mammal education programs.

Whales Alive director Olive Andrews said they had conducted a training session last week, in conjunction with National Parks and Wildlife Service and the Marine Park Authority, for Coffs Harbour whale watching operators.

National Marine Science Centre director Professor Alistair McIlgorm said the whale and dolphin seminar would be the first in series of talks designed specifically for the general public.

"We would like to encourage the Coffs Harbour community to come along and see what we do here at the National Marine Science Centre and also provide the local community access to leaders in the marine field from around Australia." Professor McIlgorm said.

Future talks will include details of a 2004 CSIRO ocean survey conducted off Coffs Harbour and a look at what seafood consumers can do to help the marine environment. An open day is also planned for Saturday, October 8.

An evening with whales and dolphins will be held on Monday, June 20, from 6pm to 8pm. Entry is by gold coin donation.

For information contact Kate Manwarring on 6648 3900 or email kmanwarring@nmsc.edu.au