Page 14 - Best Of Local Moreton Bay Magazine Nov24

Talking About Dolphin Ecology

Dr Alexis Levengood is “Talking about Dolphin Ecology” at our waters off the beaches along the Redcliffe Peninsula and
the Deception Bay Environmental Hub, 7 Joseph Crescent we think the world is perfect, but don’t know enough about
Deception Bay on Thursday, November 21. Dolphins to protect them. Looking forward to hear Alexis discuss
these unique animals in more detail.”
She has spent the last eight years conducting research on
the world-famous Shark Bay dolphins in Western Australia. Those interested in hearing the latest about our local marine
Now a Research Fellow and Lecturer at the University of the marvels should register with Bob Crudgington (REF) on 0487
Sunshine Coast, she founded the Dolphin Research Project 770 087 or via email at bob@mmlearning.com.au.
SEQ to concentrate on this ‘keystone species’ in our coastal
waters. Her work here focuses on studying species that have
been overlooked in the region until now. Alexis stated, “Our
dolphins are the most understudied marine species in South
East Queensland”. She stressed “We can’t protect what we
don’t know, so without baseline information, how can we
protect these iconic marine mammals. Our research is critical
to understanding the complex lives and conservation needs of
not only our dolphins but our marine ecosystems in general.” Dr
Levengood’s research is extensive and covers the behavioural
ecology, genetics, acoustics, health and conservation of several
coastal marine mammals. She has over 15 years field experience
and is emerging as one of Australia’s leading marine mammal
experts, having worked with five dolphin species, three whale
species, dugong and manatee across six countries spanning
three continents.

“Talking about Dolphin Ecology” is the third in a series of forums
promoted by local environmental champions, ESRAG and
REF Environmental in collaboration with researchers from the
University of the Sunshine Coast. ESRAG Media Director, Peter
Row commented “Feedback from those who attended the two
previous forums — Koalas on September 19 and Kangaroos on
October 17 — was extremely positive. If you were not able to
make them, you missed something!”

Colin Scobie, ESRAG Oceania Chair said “We see dolphins in