Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project
Conserving Through Research
Conserving Through Research
DEAP Principal Researcher
Dr. Liz Hawkins
Dr. Hawkins has over ten years experience researching the ecology of dolphins and whales in Australia. Her research has primarily focused on the acoustics and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins. Her Honours research completed in 2002, examined the patterns of acoustic emissions during different behaviours in a group of provisioned bottlenose dolphins at Tangalooma, Moreton Island. In 2008, Dr. Hawkins completed her PhD research on the population abundance, ecology and the influence of vessels on Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in the Byron Bay region, NSW, Australia. In addition to her PhD and Honours research, Dr. Hawkins has also conducted research on the variations in the acoustic repertoires of bottlenose dolphin along the east and west coasts of Australia.Dr. Hawkins has published her research in a number of scientific journals (see publications) and made many public presentations on both her research and marine conservation issues to a variety of community groups and developed a variety of education materials. She is also an education officer and scientific advisor for Whales Alive, a non-profit organisation that is dedicated to promoting the conservation of cetaceans throughout the South Pacific. Currently a Postdoctoral Fellow with the Southern Cross University School of Tourism & Hospitality and the SCU Whale Research Group, Dr. Hawkins is continuing her research into the communication faculty and behavioural ecology of coastal dolphins. Dr. Hawkins works closely with international researchers. These local and international collaborations will aid in the development of future research and the advancement in the knowledge of dolphin ecology.
________________________________________________________________________________
Research Assistant
Masters Student
Amanda
Amanda completed her Bachelor degree in Environmental Science (Environmental Management) in June 2010 before diving straight into a Master of Marine Science and Management with Southern Cross University. Having undertaken a semester of coursework, Amanda chose to complete her Masters through research. Under the supervision of Dr. Elizabeth Hawkins and Dr. Lyndon Brooks (both of Southern Cross University), she is assisting on the Gold Coast Dolphin Project, spending her summer braving the ocean (and the weather) finding, photographing and recording the behaviour of Indian Ocean Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) and Indo-Pacific Humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) along the Gold Coast. Having fallen in love with these incredible animals, Amanda hopes to continue working with, and for, cetaceans upon her graduation.
___________________________________________________________________________________________
Intern
Dean (far right) out on the research boat with the rest of the team (from right) Manda, Aisling & Liz
Dean grew up outside Lismore on a beef cattle station that backed onto Bungabee State Forest. Here Dean experienced all types of wildlife from the goanna to the dingo, his passion for wildlife was ignited. After completing his HSC in 2003 he needed a change and completed an apprenticeship in Auto Electrics on the Gold Coast. Mid 2007 Dean then moved into the mining sector working for Hastings Deering. In 2009 he started a BSc majoring in Wildlife Science at the University of Queensland. He then became a wildlife carer and rescuer for FAUNA and the RSPCA where he gained invaluable experience in handling, behaviour and caring for our less fortunate native animals. In 2010 Dean started the Ba Marine Science and Management at Southern Cross University.Dean has been a field volunteer with the Dolphin Ecology & Acoustics Project for the autumn and winter 2010 seasons in Byron Bay. He is currently completing an internship with DEAPs Gold Coast Dolphin Project.Dean loves getting out and about helping our native wildlife, and will endeavour to increase resilience of our ecosystems and help raise awareness of human impacts on the environment.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Bottlenose Dolphins Socialising (c) E. Hawkins 2010
When Jakinta left year 12 her two passions were natural medicine and marine science. After some years travelling overseas exploring the mysteries of the world, she returned to Australia and gained a Bachelor and Masters Degree of Health Science and spent the ensuing years developing a successful Complimentary Medical practice in Sydney. After moving to the mid north coast of NSW, Jakinta gained a Diploma of Education from Southern Cross University (SCU) and whilst teaching science she rediscovered her passion for marine science. In 2009 she enrolled in the Master of Marine Science and Management course with SCU and is currently researching the effect of stress on the acoustics and behaviour of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) Whilst Jakinta is not researching and getting up close and personal to these wonderful creatures, she is involved in other DEAP projects.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
Paul Harrison
Paul Harrison is a Masters student at Southern Cross University under the supervision of Dr. Liz Hawkins and Dr. Lyndon Brooks. He is currently studying the effect of habitat and environmental parameters on two sympatric species of dolphin Sousa chinensis and Tursiop aduncus within the Gold coast Broadwater and offshore areas and its affect on their distribution.
Paul studied an undergraduate degree in Marine Biology at James Cook University Townsville and graduated in 2007. During his time with James Cook Paul volunteered for Digital Dimensions a documentary, visual media and research organisation. This involved making documentaries (Discovery Channel) carrying out research on tiger sharks, turtle research and seabirds. Paul has also participated in jellyfish research and was involved in the Reef Biodiversity Research program with the CSIRO conducting wet lab sorting of specimens at sea. He has also worked on the POP’s program for Humpback Whales as a field volunteer . Furthermore Paul was part of the public consultation program as part of the creation of the RAP on the Great Barrier Reef.
Before starting a Masters at Southern Cross University Paul travelled and gained experience in environmental impacts with a company called Integrated Open Space Services (IOSS). He then signed up for a Masters program with SCU Environmental Governance where half the course is dedicated to masters by coursework and the other half Paul will do by research. In addition to this, Paul has been part of a team of interns working on the ecology of Great White Sharks in South Africa in 2010 whilst on university holidays.
Paul’s passion for the marine and environment in general was ignited by childhood holidays at Jervis Bay in NSW. The beautiful and pristine state of this much loved marine environment instilled in Paul how valuable areas like this are to the world and that they should be protected at any cost for both marine mega fauna and micro fauna and future generations of people.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________
