Moonraker Dolphin Swims dedication to the preservation of our greatest natural asset has resulted in a much broader public and scientific understanding of the animals we encounter. We are committed to environmentally sustainable tourism and embrace our Best Environmental Practices.
At our snorkel and interpretation sights, we have used dedicated sites with permanently erected structures and man made marine parks since 1990. Using and facilitating these snorkel sites have allowed us to protect and preserve what we perceive as "our patches".
Proudly we have attained Australia's highest level of eco tourism certification and long term operational permits granted by Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment in recognition of our commitment to environmental sustainability and best practice which reflect our over all protection for the marine environment and unique animals we encounter on a daily basis.
During the off season June – mid September our research staff and marine scientists, undertake a variety of monitoring and research projects into the Fur Seals and Bottle Nose Dolphins concentrating on their behavior, travel distance and location and also breeding numbers.
Our research staff along with Dr Roger Kirkwood from have recently been closely monitoring the local Australian Fur Seal movement patterns and entanglements.
With a new education program, this provides both guests and students the opportunity to discover more information and relate to these wonderful creatures.
Recently, resident Marine Biologist Jemma, was stationed at Kanowna Island, and uninhabited island off the coast of Wilsons Prom, in Eastern Victoria. Jemma remained on the island for six weeks, researching and monitoring the Australian Fur Seals: Whisker patterns, seal pup numbers and colony size, along with analyzing the seals diet.
2010 research
More Information
Entanglements
More Information
Up coming study 2011
In Progress
Special environmental measures are incorporated into our daily operations to protect and nurture the bay's health. All our tour vessels operate on bio diesel, and use biodegradable detergents, body wash, shampoo and conditioner. Our on board service facilities operate from the use of stored solar and excess power generated for the main engines this is stored in battery banks and converted into 240V power and used in lighting, refrigeration and hot water systems, this discourage harmful green house gasses from generators. Our small group tour vessel operates using 100% recycled or re-usable materials.
Codes of Practice such as Seal Tourism in Port Phillip Bay, fish feeding protocol, snorkel protocols to name a few, ensure that our snorkel sites are maintained in pristine condition.
In 2009 Moonraker Dolphin Swim and The Dolphin Research Institute formed an alliance, with the aim to support DRI in their work, managing and researching into the resident Bottlenose Dolphins.
Through this unique alliance, a proportion of ticket sales are donated directly to DRI to ensure the longevity of our unique dolphin population exists well into the future.
In addition to interpretive programs, Moonraker Dolphin Swims policy of public education in the wider community includes assistance for documentary film crews, journalists, visiting scientists, education placements and work experience. Ultimately, Moonraker Dolphin Swims would like all our guests to leave our cruises as active, inspired people to ultimately protect, preserve and strive to maintain the animals, eco system, and our pristine environment.
