The Oceania Project - is a Not-For-Profit research and education organisation established by Trish Franklin in 1988 to raise awareness about Cetacea (Whales and Dolphins) and the Oceans through research, expeditions and educational activities.

Trish and husband Wally's interest in Cetacea and the Oceans begun in 1976 and was inspired by their friend Peter Shenstone who is presently Strategic Director of PlanetArk. The Oceania Project's 1st Whale Research Expedition to Hervey Bay took place in 1989 and in 1991 Wally became fully committed to The Oceania Project. Trish is currently studying the social and ecological importance of Hervey Bay for humpback whales. Wally is studying the genetic relatedness amongst the humpbacks in Hervey Bay, using DNA data integrated with Trish's photo-id data. Their tireless work has already made a significant contribution to documenting the recovery of the East Coast of Australia Humpbacks following near extinction by commercial whaling in Antarctica. This work was, and continues to be made possible, by individuals who participate in The Oceania Project's Internship Program. The Objectives of The Oceania Project • To promote community awareness and co-operation to instigate and maintain the process of rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Cetacea and the Oceans; • The promotion and undertaking of scientific research of Cetacea and the Oceans for the benefit of the community; • To provide environmentally sensitive Ocean platforms for non-manipulative research, education and experiential programmes of Cetacea and the Oceans using sensitive vessels; • To educate and promote a community awareness and understanding of the significance of Cetacea and the Oceans; • To establish and maintain facilities and services necessary to disseminate and present information about Cetacea and the Oceans; • To promote worldwide awareness of the need for the rehabilitation, preservation and conservation of Cetacea and the Oceans by liaising and communicating with international governments and bodies and relevant organisations and individuals. The Oceania Project is committed: • To undertake an Annual Whale Research Expedition to study the Humpback Whales in Hervey Bay. • To observe, study, research and gather new information and insights about the social structure, dynamics and behaviour of the Humpback Whales visiting Hervey Bay. • To offer involvement and participation in the Annual Whale Research Expedition through The Oceania Project's Internship Program. Joining Dates for 2011 - departure Sunday The 2011 Whale Research Expedition commences on Sunday 28th August 2011 and operates for six weeks until Friday 7th October 2011. Fieldwork aboard 'Moon Dancer' within Hervey Bay is planned for Sunday to Friday each week - subject to weather and operational conditions. The vessel departs from Hervey Bay Marina/Urangan Boat Harbour Boarding time is 7.30am (departure 8.00am) 2011 Dates August: 28 September: 4, 11, 18, 25* (Waitlist) October: 2 NOTE: (Waitlist) means the trip is fully registered and availability is subject to cancellations. A minimum of three intern participants are required each week. What's Involved in Participation Stepping aboard the expedition vessel 'Moon Dancer' as an Intern or Eco-Volunteer you realise you have become part of a humpback whale research team dedicated to furthering our understanding of these incredible creatures. Work begins the moment you step aboard Sunday morning. Firstly you will get to meet the other members of the research team. Following the safety and operational briefings you will participate in planning the weeks rosters and assist the crew in getting ready for departure from Urangan Boat Harbour. Upon leaving the harbour the most immediate sensation you will encounter is the constant movement of the Expedition vessel. However, like the whales, you will deftly adapt to the rhythms and movements of the ocean. Within two hours of leaving Harbour at 0800 Sunday morning we will be within the study area looking out for our first pod of humpbacks. We can work with up to 14 individual humpbacks each day. You may find yourself rostered on assisting with pod observations, sloughed skin collection, recording GIS spatial data, water quality sampling, environmental readings or on the 'Chef 'or galley roster. Rosters are rotated so everyone gets to participate in all tasks and activites involved with a successful Expedition. The primary focus of the Photo ID work is to obtain information to enable us to recognise individual whales. Thus we carefully look at individual markings and try to associate specific under side flukes with dorsals. All eyes are needed to determine how many individuals there are in a pod. We also observe and record the behaviour occurring amongst the individuals in the pod. Observing a mother feeding a calf requires patience. In the case of highly active competitive pods it is important to work out which individual is the 'nuclear whale' or centre of attention, and which individuals are primary or secondary escorts. If we encounter a well known individual whale with an established life history, like 'Floppy' or 'Nala', we may engage in a 'focal follow' to obtain information on the pods or individuals that they are inter-acting with while they are in Hervey Bay. Collection of 'sloughed skin' samples in this type of work is vital as the DNA information from the samples enables to learn about the relationships between individuals and amongst pods, leading to insights about humpback social structure. Successful collection of skin samples requires sharp eyes and quick reflexes. it is important to collect skin samples quickly as the ship moves into the 'footprint' of an individual whale. The type of encounter with the humpback pods are categorised. Sometimes a pod will take 'no interest' in the presence of our vessel, while at other times a pod will intentionally approach our vessel which may result in a 'close extended encounter'. Such encounter can last for a few minutes or up to several hours, providing a unique opportunity to obtain Photo ID data and to sort out the individuals within the pod. During each day in the field we take time out to collect water samples and to conduct environmental readings using a Hydrolab.

All Team Members have the opportunity to be 'Chef' for a day supported by a galley team. So if you have a favourite recipe bring it along. otherwise Trish has an 'Expedition Cookbook' with ample suggestions. There's plenty of support if you need it.

Fieldwork is subject to weather conditions within Hervey Bay. Depending upon the conditions we either go to a comfortable anchorage, or return to Urangan Boat Harbour, and catch up with data entry, reviewing photography, viewing a powerpoint presentation or a video about Cetacea.

There is a limited reference library on board so if you are working on a project there is support material available and keen whale researchers to talk with you on a range of topics.

At the end of each working day we anchor along the western or northern shore of Fraser Island. Fraser Island is 40 nautical miles from the mainland coast of Australia so we are all able to quietly reflect upon the days experiences as we share the unusual sight of the sun setting into the ocean.

After enjoying an evening meal prepared by our companions we review the days photography, share a presentation or discuss the days events.

Everyday aboard the Expedition is a rich and full experience. Firm bonds of friendship and professional relationships are formed and developed through working together with a common focus.

At the end of our time aboard the Expedition we will leave with more than memories.

Humpback Whale Study Area
Hervey Bay is formed by Fraser Island and mainland Australia and is located off the south-east coast of Queensland, about 300 km north of the states capital, Brisbane.

Fraser Island is just below the Great Barrier Reef and extends in a north easterly direction away from the coastline of Australia. It's northern end almost reaches the edge of the continental shelf.

On their northwards migration the humpback whales travel along the eastern side of Fraser Island, rounding Great Sandy spit and heading northeast towards the calm warm waters of the southern and central regions of the Great Barrier Reef.

The Humpback Whales begin moving south from the Great Barrier Reef region in early August traveling southward along the Great Barrier Reef Islands. This route provides the whales direct access to Hervey Bay, which offers a natural haven before they begin the long trek to Antarctica.

Departing from Urangan Boat Harbour we travel north-east towards the ancient beaches of Fraser Island, following them north until we navigate the southern shallows into the lower reaches of Hervey Bay.

It takes around two hours travelling to the Study Area where we can expect to find humpback whales and dolphins.

Subject to weather and operating conditions we remain in the northeast region of Hervey Bay to observe and study the humpbacks for 5 nights / 6 days each week, anchoring at night along the western side of Fraser Island. Categories of Participation • Participation is for one or more weeks • Training is provided, prior experience is useful but not essential • There are only 5 participant places available each week • Two categories of participation in the Expedition are available • Registrations will be considered by date of receipt and eligibility

1 - The Oceania Project Internship Program
Eligibility
• Under-graduate and Post-graduate University Students
• Teaching Staff of Universities or other recognised Educational Institutions
• Individuals with prior field experience and/or involvement in a Whale or Dolphin organisation
• Interested in Marine Mammals, Marine Science, Ocean Environment or related topics e.g. Zoology, Biology, Ecology, Veterinary Science etc

2 - The Oceania Project Youth Internship Program
Eligibility
• Young Adults 14 to 18 years of age
• Interested in Marine Mammals, Marine Science and the Ocean Environment

NOTE: If you participate for multiple weeks accommodation and food aboard 'Moon Dancer' between trips is included.

The Expedition Vessel - Moondancer The Expedition vessel is the superbly designed and well equipped 'Moon Dancer'. A 12 metre Tasman P4000 Flybridge Power Cataraman, 'Moon Dancer' was built for sea-going comfort, safety and stability. The spacious fore-deck and easy access around the main deck makes her a perfect platform for whale and dolphin observations and research. The covered flybridge provides Trish and members of the research team a superb observation platform. You will thoroughly enjoy your time aboard this beautiful vessel. Oceania invite you to join them on a never-ending journey! Experience the Humpback Whales up close and personal and help monitor their journey.

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