Oct 3 - Ocean Champion Citizen Science Workshop: Cetaceans & Snorkelling

FAQs

• What’s citizen science? 

  Citizen science is basically when everyday people help scientists by sharing their own sightings and observations. Whether it’s spotting wildlife, noticing changes in the environment, or logging what you see while you’re out and about, those on-the-ground observations become valuable data for researchers. It’s an easy way for anyone to support real science just by paying attention to the world around them. This can be as simple as taking a photo and uploading it to a dedicated app or website, or participating in surveys, censuses or field studies. It's a great way to contribute data that is actually used by scientists, and then feeds into policy and informs decision-makers like governments. It can be a way to discover new species, document changes in the range or migration patters of existing species, track populations of threatened fauna, and map changes due to climate change or other large scale impacts. The possibilities, and ways you can be involved, are endless.

• Do I need to have any background knowledge? 

  No! We’ll teach you everything you need to know. 

• How many people? 

  There’s just 8 spaces available for this workshop, and we need all of them to be filled in order to run the trip.  

• How much does it cost? 

  $100 each per person - this event is partially supported by a grant from Patagonia, and this charge covers the remaining expenses and allows us to run several of these workshops on various topics over the next year. If this amount is prohibitive for you then please contact us.

• What does it include? 

  All the details are listed above, but in a nutshell:

  • An online workshop on citizen science

  • A three hour ocean excursion, including a snorkel

  • Snorkelling equipment & wetsuit

  • Transfer from Byron Bay meeting point to The Pass 

  • The opportunity to learn from marine scientists

  • Membership to Dolphin Research Australia (valid for one year)

• What do I need to bring? 

  • Swimsuit

  • Sun hat

  • Waterbottle

  • Sunscreen (reef safe) 

  • Change of clothes (warm & cosy)

  • Proof of ID

  • Notebook & pen

  • Camera (optional) 

  • Binoculars (optional)

  • Sea sickness medication (optional)

  • Snacks & lunch

  • Wetsuit (if you have it - but complimentary to rent)

  • Snorkel gear (if you have it - but complimentary to rent)

• Can I bring my camera?

  Yes, you're welcome to bring cameras - we have two pelican cases that can fit two DSLR sized cameras and multiple dry bags for use to keep your gear safe onboard. We'll be working above and below the water, so a good camera with a telephoto lens is great for whales and dolphins, and any sort of underwater camera is great for documents species while snorkelling (from a phone housing to a GoPro to a fancy underwater housing).

• What if I don’t have a camera? 

  No worries - there's still plenty to learn by observing. Cameras optional. 

• What ages can come?

  Minimum age 16, under 18 you need to come with a supervising adult. While we hope to run more workshops for younger citizen scientists in the future, this one is targeted at adults.

• Do I need to know how to snorkel? 

  Yes! Unfortunately this is not a workshop where we can teach snorkelling and the experience is suited towards people who are already comfortable on and in the water.

• Is food included?

  No, but you're welcome to bring food (snacks or a takeaway lunch perhaps) along to enjoy when we get back to the shop after the boat excursion. Tea & coffee are provided. Space on the boat is limited so we recommend not bringing unnecessary items like food (we'll leave after breakfast and be back by lunch).

• Why do these workshops matter? 

  We know there are many ocean lovers in our community who want the opportunity to give something back, but aren't sure how. Citizen Science is one fantastic tool for giving back to the ocean - helping scientists learn more, informing policymakers and improving our ability to identify, monitor and respond to threats facing our wildlife and habitats. They're also a chance for members of our community to learn more about our local species, marine protected areas, legislation and regulations, and get this knowledge out into our community. They're a way for us to create custodians our aquatic wildlife and marine protected areas, or as we often call them, ocean champions.

• What's the cancellation policy?

  If you can no longer attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer your ticket to someone on the waiting list. Cancellations made 48 hours or more before the workshop will receive a full refund. You can manage your booking through the Humanitix website or contact us at (byronhope@dolphinresearchaustralia.org). Unfortunately, refunds cannot be issued for cancellations within 48 hours to the workshop start time. If the workshop is cancelled due to weather, we will be in contact within 48 hours prior to the event and reschedule as soon as possible or provide a full refund.

  Thank you for your understanding – your booking helps us plan effectively and ensures others don’t miss out on these opportunities.

• What happens if the weather is bad on the scheduled boat day?

  If the weather is too terrible for us to have a safe and enjoyable experience onboard, then we will reschedule as soon as possible and do the boat trip on another day soon.

• If I can't attend this one, will there be other workshops?

  This is part of a series of Ocean Citizen Science Workshops - sign up for the Dolphin Research Australia newsletter to be first to hear about future opportunities.

• If I don't come on the boat, can I still do the online course?

  Yes! The online Citizen Science course is free and you can do it anytime!! We want as many people as possible to learn about our fantastic local species and biodiversity, so just register at https://oceanconservation.org.au/courses/ocean-citizen-science-workshop/ and get started!