Community Dolphin Census- 4th June, 2017

A big thank you to everyone who has already registered for this year's census. The census day is creeping closer and we're looking forward to seeing everyone out on the water and along the shoreline this Sunday. While sharing this gentle reminder about this week's census, we thought we would also use the opportunity to give a little shout out to a number of great events happening over the next month which highlight the efforts of local conservation groups, like OCCI and ORRCA and showcase our local marine environment. 2017 Community Dolphin Census - 4th June On Sunday, 4th June between 11am-12pm, the Marine Parks Association will be overseeing the 2017 Port Stephens Community Dolphin Census. Early forecasts for Sunday could not be more ideal; sunny skies, calm seas and a light SW wind all make for perfect dolphin spotting conditions. There’s still plenty of great viewing locations available around the Port, and it’s not too late to register, just head over to www.marineparksassociation.org.au Paddle for the Planet - 3rd June Paddle for the Planet is happening on June 3rd at 10am as part of Port Stephens Naturefest. Paddle for the Planet is a Global Paddling Relay that unites paddlers, creates awareness and is a movement for conservation. The goal is to have simultaneous paddling events happening sequentially, at a specific time, in every time zone and in each country around the world. The result will be to unite paddlers of any type of paddling craft through the Global Relay. Paddle for the Planet aims to raise awareness and financial support for marine conservation specifically in the area of reserves and “no take zones”. Visit www.facebook.com/ShoalBaySUP or www.portstephens.org.au for more information. OCCI movie & auction charity event - 8th June Local marine conservation group, Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives, are hosting a fund-raising event to celebrate World Oceans Day. Come along to Nelson Bay Cinemas on Thursday, 8th June at 6pm for wine & cheese, an auction with special guest auctioneer and screening of the new release 'Pirates of the Caribbean 5 - Dead Men Tell No Tales'. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 kids and can be purchased on-line at www.stickytickets.com.au/52284 There is also a raffle in progress which will be drawn on the night - 1st prize valued at $460 is accommodation and dinner for 2 at the Mercure Hunter Valley Gardens. Tickets can be obtained by phoning Louise on 0434 955 129. We hope you will support marine conservation and education and join us for some fun! Fancy dress is optional, but encouraged (pirate theme). Marine Debris Clean-up of Bull Island - 17th June Marine Parks Association have combined with the volunteers from Ocean & Coastal Care Initiatives to undertake four clean-ups and litter surveys of Bull Island, adjacent to Lemon Tree Passage. Going to the same site over time also gives the opportunity to see if there are any trends in where the rubbish may be coming from, this way it may be possible to tackle the problem at the source. All litter is surveyed and the results are added to the national marine debris database monitored by Tangaroa Blue. The fourth and final clean-up will take place on June 17th. If you are interested in participating, please contact Jeannie on 0414 414 291. ORRCA’s Annual Census Day 2017- 25th June On Sunday, 25th June, ORRCA will hold the annual Humpback Whale Migration Census. To participate, simply pick your favourite headland and call 02 9415 3333 or email (orrca@orrca.org.au) to register your location. Make sure you print off the marine mammal sighting log sheets from www.orrca.org.au Free Headland Whale Watching Talks – 8th July As part of Naturefest, Port Stephens Council will sponsor the very popular whale talks on local headlands. This year the event will be held at Boat Harbour, with experienced whale watcher, Jeannie Lawson, giving hourly presentations, answering your questions and helping you spot the whales. Enquiries to Jeannie on 0414 414 291. Marine Parks Association AGM- 12th July The Marine Parks Association Annual General Meeting will be held on 12th July, 7pm at Nelson Bay Bowling Club (upstairs meeting room). All financial members are invited and encouraged to attend. Members are also invited to meet at ‘Tails’ (upstairs restaurant) for a light meal before the meeting. Human Whale – 15th July On Saturday, 15th July, the human whale makes a comeback, at the new location of Fingal Beach. During the event, participants will form the outline of a 100-metre-long humpback whale. Join the World Record attempt to create the biggest human humpback as we celebrate Naturefest and the annual whale watching season. Registration is from 10am – 12noon in the reserve at Fingal Bay with the formation at 12noon on the beach. FREE shuttle departing every 30mins between 9am - 11am from D’Albora Marina, Nelson Bay CBD & Shoal Bay. More information at www.portstephens.org.au