The Marine Mammal Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of its Gippsland Lakes volunteer Outreach Program, Lakes Champions!

This project will empower local people to share their passion for marine mammals, conservation and the environment, through citizen science action.

Opportunities for action include land-based citizen science of sightings of the Burrunan dolphins and birdlife including the iconic Australian Pelican. Participants will also gain greater awareness of the rich environment and culture.

The Lakes Champions project will provide the communities in the Gippsland Lakes district opportunities to engage in, learn about and help protect the Gippsland Lakes with focussed action at Lakes Entrance, Metung and Paynesville sites.

This project aims to harness the enthusiasm of local people active and engaged with their local environment and encourage community stewardship to help protect the Gippsland Lakes environment and its native species.

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from residents living near the Gippsland Lakes, in particular, those living in Paynesville, Metung and Lakes Entrance to become Lakes Champions.

Lakes Champions are 18-year-olds and over who love the great outdoors, have an interest in the local plants and animals and are able to volunteer their time on a regular basis for monitoring and data collection.

For more information about Lakes Champions project or to express your interest, please fill out our Lakes Champions Expression of Interest form or email Caitlin at lakes@marinemammal.org.au.

This project is funded by the Victorian State Government for the Gippsland Lakes.

Under 18 years of age? Sign up to become a Marine Champion! Express your interest today through our Marine Champions webpage or by emailing Matt at champions@marinemammal.org.au.

WANT TO SIGN UP?

To register your interest, please complete the online form or email lakes@marinemammal.org.au

EVENTS

Burrunan Watch: land-based Burrunan dolphin surveys 

Become a part of MMF’s citizen science land-based team. We have regular Burrunan Watch sites and days.

Wednesday and Saturday: Bullock Island, Lakes Entrance

Paynesville: TBC

What to bring: Sun protection, a water bottle, a chair, binoculars if you have them, and snacks.

IMPORTANT: Please register your attendance by emailing Bron at: lakes@marinemammal.org.au.

Litter Free Lakes: litter hot-spot clean and audit

Coming soon!

WHO ARE WE?

The Marine Mammal Foundation is a small not-for-profit research, education, and conservation organisation, based in Mentone, Victoria (Australia). We conduct internationally recognised applied scientific research on marine mammals and environments across Victoria, and apply our research learnings to educate and inspire the community. MMF began in 2013, after MMF’s Founding Director and Head of Research Dr Kate Robb discovered, named, and formally described a new species of dolphin in south-east Australian waters; the Burrunan dolphin (Charlton-Robb et al. 2011). MMF is a registered ACNC charity and DGR entity. Our work is reliant on funding from grants, philanthropy, sponsorship and generous donations from the community.

Join the Lakes Champions Program!