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Dolphin Research Institute

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Dolphin Research Institute

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The Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) is an an independent not-for-profit marine conservation organisation that has provided marine research and education services for over 3 decades.

23/08/2026

Announcing the winner of the Dolphin Research Institute’s 2026 Whale World Cup …

🏆KILLER WHALES 🏆

In the end, it was an extremely close race between the winners and humpback whales. However, killer whales prevailed ... just!

Found in all the world's oceans, killer whales are the largest members of the dolphin family. These apex predators are well-known for their striking black and white colouration, extreme intelligence and social nature. A well-deserving winner!

A big shout out to everyone who participated. Thanks for helping the Dolphin Research Institute celebrate National Science Week 2026!

17/08/2026

Introducing the Dolphin Research Institute Whale World Cup contestants …
🐳The endangered southern right whale
🐳The big-winged humpback whale
🐳The massive blue whale
🐳The formidable killer whale

Swipe through to learn some fun facts about our contestants!

Voting will take place via an Instagram poll on our stories. So, get ready to head to our Instagram page to cast your first vote tomorrow!

15/08/2026

Introducing the Dolphin Research Institutes inaugural Whale World Cup! 🏆🏆🏆

To celebrate National Science Week, the Dolphin Research Institute will be hosting our very own Whale World Cup.

Starting Tuesday next week, you’ll get the chance to vote for your favourite whale via a daily Instagram poll. At the end of each day, the whale with the least votes will be knocked out. On Saturday, the last whale standing will be crowned our Whale of the Year!

Stay tuned over the coming days to meet our contestants and to learn more about them! 🐳

14/08/2026

Welcome to this week's e-bulletin from The Dolphin Research Institute...

Articles include updates on H5N1 Avian Influenza (bird flu), DRI's submission and comments on the Gippsland wind farms, and an exciting opportunity to join our team!

Read the e-bulletin at https://www.dolphinresearch.org.au/e-bulletin-11-august-2026/

12/08/2026

Meet Maddy! 💙

This week, we're excited to introduce another member of the Dolphin Research Institute team, Maddy!

Maddy has recently joined DRI as our Acting Education Manager, bringing with her a passion for wildlife conservation, environmental education, and connecting people with nature. With a background in zoology and ecology, and having recently completed a Master of Teaching, Maddy combines her knowledge of the natural world with a love of inspiring others to learn about and protect our environment. Drawing on her experience as a wildlife guide and environmental educator, she's excited to help connect the next generation with the incredible marine life found right here in Port Phillip Bay. 🐬

Outside of DRI, Maddy enjoys wildlife photography, snorkelling, camping, and travelling to explore new places. She also helps run Women in Wildlife, a charity dedicated to supporting and empowering the next generation of conservationists.

Since joining the team, Maddy has loved learning more about Port Phillip Bay's resident dolphins, as well as meeting our ISIC ambassadors and connecting with schools!

We're so excited to have Maddy on the team!

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks as we continue introducing the wonderful people behind the Dolphin Research Institute.

11/08/2026

As many of our followers may be aware, H5N1 Avian Influenza (H5 bird flu) has now been detected in wild birds in Victoria. Whilst the risk to humans is low, H5N1 is expected to be a persistent wildlife disease with long-term impacts.

Whilst this news is daunting, our community plays an important role in monitoring and tracking the disease by reporting instances of sick or dead birds. These reports help to detect the disease early and monitor its presence.

So, if you see sick or dead birds or wildlife (including marine mammals):
- AVOID contact with the wildlife, for both yourself and domestic animals.
- RECORD the location, time, and date, and what you observed (including taking any images or video footage if it is safe to do so).
- REPORT the sighting online or call the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.

Every report is useful and we thank the community for helping to protect Victoria’s wildlife.

The Dolphin Research Institute is monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular briefings and updates from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). You can sign up to our mailing list to receive updates by visiting https://www.dolphinresearch.org.au/.

You can also visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/birdflu for more information, to report sightings online, and to view interactive maps.

Message adapted from DEECA.

06/08/2026

Meet Ella!

This week, we’re excited to introduce one of our newest team members, Ella!

After starting with the Dolphin Research Institute as an intern earlier this year, Ella officially joined the team as a Research Officer in June. Having recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ecology and Genetics, Ella is excited to combine her data analysis and fieldwork skills with her love for the ocean.

Outside of the marine world, Ella loves a good camping trip and running, and is currently learning how to crochet (with mixed results). As she settles into her new role, Ella is enjoying expanding her knowledge of marine mammals and has loved getting out on the boat.

We’re delighted to have her on board - welcome to the team Ella!

Keep an eye out over the coming weeks as we introduce a few more new faces here at the Dolphin Research Institute!

(All images with dolphins taken under a strict research permit)

01/08/2026

Happy 14th Birthday to Marinna! 🎉🎈🎊

Marinna, dolphin #19 in our Port Phillip Common Dolphin catalogue, was born to Jean, dolphin #3, in 2012. As one of our regular visitors, we've been fortunate enough to see her almost every year since she was born.

Unfortunately, when Marinna was four years old, she suffered a severe injury to her back. However, Marinna proved to be incredibly resilient and recovered remarkably well, and she now sports some impressive battle scars.

Then, in 2021, something remarkable happened … Marinna became a mum!
Since then, she has had three calves of her own, with her most recent calf spotted in June of this year.

Watching Marinna grow from a calf alongside Jean’s side, into a mother who is now raising the next generation is a powerful reminder of the value of our long-term research.

Happy birthday, Marinna! Here's to many more years of sightings and stories!

30/07/2026

Here is a fun graphic designed by that shows how our research team use 'Finprints' and whale flukes to identify individual animals!

If you spot any dolphins or whales, be sure to report any sightings through Podwatch here:
https://www.dolphinresearch.org.au/rese.../report-sightings/

27/07/2026

We have made it to term three 💙 This means our i sea, i care ambassadors will begin either their catchment workshop or coastal workshop!

During their catchment workshop, our ambassadors will learn about our litter pathways and how they end in our oceans. They investigate how our choices can influence the health of our wetlands and waterways through ponding for macroinvertebrates, water testing and a frog activity!

In our coastal workshop, our Ambassadors get the chance to plant native plants, explore the intertidal zone and learn from the amazing team at !

It's going to be a busy one - stay tuned!

Address

Western Port Marina
Hastings, VIC
3915

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

0359797100

Website

http://www.dolphinresearch.org.au/

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