together, we are making a difference
We work with reputable organisations to make an impact on the health of our oceans and its inhabitants. From research, education or tactical activities, we simply focus on efforts that maximise impact.
VNPA DRAGON QUEST
Victorian National Parks Association’s (VNPA) Dragon Quest program is an exciting collaborative project.
Weedy Sea Dragon’s are among the most incredibly beautiful yet least understood marine creatures that inhabit our Victorian coastline. The Dragon Quest program is helping to gain valuable insight into their total population numbers and range within Victorian waters.
Identifying individual animals is a laborious task and for this reason, the Dragon Quest project has been targeted as a key program that will aid in the help of Southern Ocean Environmental Link’s computer scientists. By developing a computer-based learning program weedy Seadragon identification is becoming an automatic process. The software will save thousands of labor hours and will automatically capture all relevant and required information that can then be plotted on a live google earth map. This development is set to extensively aid in the program’s overall efficiency and accuracy.
The IP has been developed by SOEL and is available for use for other identification projects Australia-wide. Should you know someone who may be interested in utilizing this IP to increase the efficiency and accuracy of another citizen science project then please be in touch.
MACHINE BASED LEARNING – IDENTIFICATION SYSTEMS
SOEL has developed a brand-new research initiative working alongside local dolphin researchers and assistants to understand Dolphin Research further. An identification catalog has been created using Flukebook. This online platform applies computer software to identify and track individual whales and dolphins across the globe. Working alongside Deakin University’s new and improved artificial intelligence will help capture and analyse Dolphin fins within Port Phillip Bay to better understand this species’ health. We encourage the community to become involved in this program by capturing dolphin fins and submitting them to our online database listed below!
vessel interactions with marine mammals
Marine mammals are among the most inspiring animals that inhabit Victoria. Strict regulations have been developed by use of key research and these regulations have been set in place to ensure the well-being of the species in question.
The interaction of recreational vessels and marine mammals often opposes the regulations. This can lead to increased pressures being placed on the key local species.
Through observational research and the use of our partner vessels Soel will be conducting studies on how recreational vessels are interacting with marine mammals and the impact that Licensed Tour Operators and regulatory vessels have upon unlawful behaviours.
Little is known about the consistent numbers of seals that inhabit Port Phillip Bay. SOEL through the use of its partners will be monitoring the daily distribution of Fur Seals at Chinaman’s Hat and other known haul out sites, in an attempt to understand more about whether or not the animals are residents or transient animals. This research will help us to better understand the pressures the animals face from human interaction and if more action is required to conserve the species locally in the form of new haul out sites.
PLASTIC RECYCLING PROGRAMS
Marine pollution is one of the largest factors affecting our local coastline and we are here to do something about it.
We have developed a mobile plastics recycling plant to help tackle the issues of marine plastic and to serve as an education centre to teach students about the importance of best-use practice.
Students can watch as we break down plastic and turn waste into new usable items.
Our concept is to empower the youth of today to take the concept to create their own local plastics recycling centre so that together we can help reduce our carbon footprint and leave the world in a better state than we found it.
If you are passionate about recycling, are an artist, organise beach clean ups and you would love to be a part of this amazing program please feel free to contact us. This is about inspiring a movement of change, the time is now and we have all been chosen to do the right thing and make a difference.
In 2016, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) established Victoria’s first under and above water live-stream as part of their southern seascapes program. The technology, a first for southern Australia has enabled the world with a chance to connect with the unique flora and fauna that inhabit Port Philip Bay Marine National Park.
The submerged camera has been mounted on concrete blocks that are attached to the seabed through an anchorage system, to ensures no movement or damage to the camera from strong ocean currents and provides a window into the marine world. The above water camera commonly features the great colony of Australian Gannets inhabiting the top of the Bluestone boulder structure.
Through collaboration with Deakin University, SOEL aims to enhance research and support new investigations toward the colony of Australian Gannets which have shown to be keystone species of Port Phillip Bay. Pope’s Eye Cameras are therefore seeing big updates in the near future! SOEL aims to build on what TNC has created and continue to develop online educational resources for schools and beyond. Creating a platform to increase marine advocacy for emerging generations. Photo credits Kraken Imagery (Tess Hoinville)