TRADITIONAL OWNERS HELP DOPHIN RESEARCH IN QUEENSLAND

BY CASSIE ARIUU & MEGAN BOYCE

Dolphins. Credit: Envato Elements.

Scientists conducting a study on Dolphins on the Barrier Reef  will work with Traditional owners to inform their research. 

Southern Cross and Flinders University are collaborating on the Great Barrier Reef Dolphin Project, which aims to better understand Dolphin numbers and distribution. 

Southern Cross University Research Fellow, Daniele Cagnazzi said Indigenous owners will advise the study on where to find Dolphins, and where to avoid conducting research for cultural reasons.

“The aim is to develop a survey design together with the traditional owner. So to make sure that we respect cultural protocol,” he said.

“That we reach a design that make everyone happy while meeting also obviously scientific requirement.”