Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch has won for Outstanding Community Engagement in the SA Citizen Science and Engagement Awards announced late week. 

Inspiring South Australia and the South Australian Chapter of the Australian Citizen Science Association created the awards in 2021 to recognise outstanding citizen science projects in the state. 

They invited applications from groups and individuals engaged in citizen science activities that promote and increase community participation in projects that encompass quality science, engagement and education. 

There are two awards; one for a citizen science project with outstanding science and research and one for a citizen science project with outstanding community engagement.

The award judges described Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch as a data-rich, citizen-led, community volunteer project.

They have undertaken research into dolphin behaviours, movement patterns, preferred habitat, migratory pathways and home range for populations on Kangaroo Island since 2005 and in Victor Harbor since 2011.

Project partners include Whale & Dolphin Conservation Australasia, AusOcean, Ecotourism operators, KI Sealink, South Australian Museum, Department for Environment and Water, Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, along with contributions from community volunteers.

The award is worth $5000 to further support the project or to generate new projects. 

Find out about the work done by Kangaroo Island/Victor Harbor Dolphin Watch on their Facebook page.