Science News

I Sea, I Care

The Dolphin Research Institute’s ‘I sea, I care’ program has been a blast. Rhiann, Shivaani, Amelia and I all volunteered to represent Nossal in the program in 2017 and thus far we have no regrets - not only have we learnt extensively about dolphins and marine life through practical activities, we’ve met other science-minded students from schools in the Mornington area.

We’ve so far completed three workshops through the program, including a small presentation and a morning of spotting the aquatic wildlife atop of Schnapper’s Point. However, the most exciting of them all was back in December 2017, where the four of us (accompanied by the lovely Leeann) were taken all the way to Sorrento and boarded the Moonraker. From there we traveled across the bay – stopping at two points to dive in and spot water dragons and seals! Despite the cold climate of the day, our spirits were not deterred, and it was an experience I am sure all of us will remember for years to come.

The total experience has opened all our eyes to the detrimental effects we have on these beautiful mammals. Things such as our carbon footprint and littering are going to be the focus for our program project, a speech we were asked to prepare to showcase what we’ve learnt this year.

If I could do it all again next year, I would happily oblige. The whole program has been exciting and educational, as well as super fun! If you have the opportunity, take it! Spots are limited, and the experience is once in a lifetime!

Our deepest thanks to Ms Leeann Lees for chaperoning and supporting us throughout the program.

Brooklyn Featherstone

Year 10