LOCAL support has helped the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia’s (ORRCA) Port Stephens/Newcastle pod raise enough money to buy a drone for its marine wildlife work.
A whale-watching cruise and raffles raised more than $3700, boosted by donations of $500 each from Soldiers Point Bowling Club and Tilligerry Lions Club.
Pod leader Sherelyn Overson thanked Imagine Cruises, businesses that donated raffle prizes and everyone who supported the fundraiser.
“Thirty-five people joined the cruise, while some bought tickets simply to make a donation,” she said
“We’re very, very happy with that.”
Any extra money will help pay for batteries, accessories and insurance.
The pod is now asking residents to spare an hour for the Port Stephens Dolphin Census on Sunday, 15 November, from 10am to 11am.
Participants choose a spot around the bay and record the dolphins they see.
Boat owners and kayakers are also being encouraged to take part, helping cover areas that cannot easily be seen from shore.
The 2019 census recorded 120 dolphins, compared with 42 in 2024 and 25 last year, highlighting the importance of continuing to monitor sightings.
Windy weather affected visibility during the past two surveys, so the lower counts did not necessarily mean fewer dolphins were living in the bay.
Previously held in August, the census has been moved to November in the hope of calmer conditions.
“That’s why it’s so important that we continue to check on them, to monitor their numbers, to see if there’s been any decline,” Overson said.
“If anybody is at a location and they don’t see any dolphins, that’s really important for us to know as well.”
Observers record details including location, time and direction of travel, helping organisers identify sightings of the same dolphins.
Everyone who registers will receive an information pack explaining how to count dolphins and submit their observations through the survey app.
To register, go to https://portal.orrca.org.au/networks/events/12377.
Help is available for anyone who needs help registering or entering their results. For assistance or to submit observations, email sherelyn@orrca.org.au.
By Althea GUINSBERG
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