Hi everyone
Last week I was able to participate in a Marine Mega Fauna Workshop in Darwin. Eight ranger groups from along the Northern Territory coast who have been working with some Charles Darwin University (CDU) scientists doing some marine research all came together. It was very interesting and a very useful time. I also got to hang out with Dean Kristy and Noah, which was very special. More about that later.
Most of the marine research dollars are spent on the east coast, and a little on the west coast however sadly very little on the north coast. Consequently, very little is known about the marine animals along the north coast.
DNA research has shown that the northern dolphin populations are not related to either the east or west coast populations. Turtles are known to travel large distances from their grazing areas to the nesting sites. We know that some turtles that graze around Croker Island came from the northern Great Barrier Reef and some from shoals north west of Broome but little is known about them.
Concerningly, we do know that increasing temperatures are impacting on their nesting. Some nests are showing a third of the eggs have been 'cooked'. Many other nests are producing very high percentages of females hatchlings - the temperature of the nest chamber decides the gender of the turtle hatchings.
Below are some of the workshop participants.
Below are the recorded sitings from the limited research work done so far along the north coast. Some of the siting were by Garngi rangers - including one of the Dwarf Spinner dolphins.
Below is a short video of our Dwarf Spinner dolphin siting - it was of those very special days on the water.
We have also sited some False Killer Whales. The name is misleading as these animals are actually a species of dolphin. One day while patrolling in our ranger boat travelling at about 25-30 kilometres per hour, a False Killer Whale popped up beside us, only two meters from the boat. They are great swimmers and very inquisitive.
We also have Killer Whales in these waters - which was new information for me.
We also have some species of whales however it is thought that these are a different population to the east and west coast migration from the Southern Ocean.
There has also been one siting in NT waters of a Whale Shark - the gentle giants of the sea.
As mentioned, not a lot is known about these marine creatures so hopefully we can address that situation.
Nancy's mother turns 98 on Thursday. Every birthday at the her stage of life is a very special one!
While in Darwin I was able to catch up with Noah, Kristy and Dean - very special. Below we enjoyed a meal together looking out over Darwin Harbour. Sorry Kristy, I don't seem to have a photo with you in it.
Noah was very interested in the seagulls. Sadly, Jayson was working at Tindal RAAF Base near Katherine. Nancy and Laura were in Queensland.
A little later, an approaching storm and the sunset combined to produce a great light and colour show.
Until next blog post, take care and blessings.
Bryan and Nancy
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