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Two decades of dedication to independent research


The Oceania Project, established in 1988, is a Not-for-profit research and information organisation dedicated to the Conservation and Protection of Whales, Dolphins and the Oceans.

The first phase of a long-term study of Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay - 1992 to 2005 - has been the major work of The Oceania Project.

This work was, and continues to be made possible, by individuals who participate in
The Oceania Project's Internship Program.
To date more than 1500 Interns (paying eco-volunteers) have joined the Annual Whale Research Expeditions in Hervey Bay.

Invovlement is open to all Members of the Public and no prior experience is needed.

Work on The Oceania Project's website has been of equal importance. It was established in 1996 and provides a global information resource dedicated to the Conservation and Care of Whales and Dolphins.

Trish and Wally abaord 'Karma' -1997

Trish and Wally, Founders of The Oceania Project aboard Karma in 1997. Karma was the Expedition research vessel between 1995 and 1997.

If you are interested in participating in this years Expedition as a paying eco-volunteer check online for information, costs and availability

Trish on the bow of 'Moon Dancer' Photo-identification of individual humpback whales is the main research methodology used in Hervey Bay and since 2000 sloughed-skin samples have been collected from humpbacks for DNA and genetic analysis.

Between 1992 and 2009 all the photo-identification field-work and analysis has been undertaken by Trish Franklin. The digital photo-id archive now consists of over 70,000 data images. The Hervey Bay Fluke Catalogue numbers almost 3000 humpback individuals and Trish has accumulated long-term life histories on over 600 individual humpback whales.

Trish is studying the social and ecological importance of Hervey Bay for humpback whales. Wally is studying the abundance, site-fidelity, residency and migratory interchange of humpback whales using Hervey Bay

Trish and Wally are PhD Candidates and Members of the Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre Group (SCUWRCG)


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