Dolphin research

Group of bottlenose dolphins surfing the waves off Noosa. (Georgina Hume)

A popular attraction off Noosa are the local pods of dolphins often seen around Hell’s Gate. Research of these dolphins and other pods of South-East Queensland, is the subject of Dr Alexis Levengood’s talk at the next Friday Forum.

Dr Levengood, a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of the Sunshine Coast is emerging as one of Australia’s leading marine mammal experts. With over 15 years of experience, she has worked with five dolphin species, three whale species, as well as manatees and dugongs across six countries spanning three continents. Dr Levengood’s research centralises on the behavioural ecology, genetics, acoustics, health, and conservation of coastal marine mammals. She has spent the last 8 years conducting research on the world-famous Shark Bay dolphins in Western Australia and has recently founded the Dolphin Research Project SEQ focused here along our coastline. Her work along SEQ focuses on studying species that have been overlooked in the region until now, including understanding spatial and genetic connectivity, behaviour, and health.

Come along to hear about the findings of this dolphin research at Friday Forum on November 8th, at the Noosa Parks Association Environment Centre, 5 Wallace Drive, Noosaville. The forum starts at 10:30am with morning tea available at 10-10.25am. Entry is $5 by ‘tap & go’ at the door which includes morning tea/coffee.

Join the bird observers at 8.30am in the carpark for interpretive birding.

For more information: www.noosaparks.org.au