About

Marine Mammal Research group (MMR) Australia

Current Research location: NSW Jervis Bay Marine Park and ACT Booderee National Park, Eden NSW.

Marine Mammal Research (MMR) was established in 2006 on the New South Wales south coasts, with a strong focus on the marine mammals “cetaceans” and our blue backyard marine environment we all live in.

The objective of MMR is to conduct sound scientific RESEARCH and citizen science on marine mammals and EDUCATE the public about cetaceans, their habitats and the importance of raising awareness for CONSERVATION.

RESEARCH – EDUCATION - CONSERVATION

26 year’s of data on the resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) of Jervis Bay NSW.

21 year’s of data on the migrating humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) that visit Jervis Bay NSW.

Previous data collected in QLD: Hervey Bay; New South Wales: Port Stephens, Sydney, Wollongong, Jervis Bay and the Sapphire Coast region with Eden being a focal point for opportunistic foraging humpback whales in southern New South Wales, and Bremer Bay, WA. MMR continues current projects investigating the resident Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops aduncus) and visiting migrating humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) on the Humpback Highway, southern right whale (Eubalaena australis) and transient killer whale, orca (Orcinus orca) and false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens). Other data of interest includes that on bryde’s whale (Balaenoptera edeni), and Shepherd's beaked whale (Tasmacetus shepherdi).

“Previous research has investigated the vocal & non-vocal behaviour of dolphins in Jervis Bay & the effects of recreational boats on these animals. The results from this study have contributed to the management of this population of dolphins & other inshore delphinids within areas of New South Wales” Dr. Michelle (Lemon) Blewitt.

MMR conducts regular research expeditions and citizen science projects conducted on the Humpback Highway from Jervis Bay NSW, with opportunities to join these expeditions and be involved in supporting research.