Byron Bay Hope Spot
An 8-hour drive north from Sydney, Australia rests the small coastal town of Byron Bay, appreciated by its 9,000 residents for its sparkling blue waters, golden sands and epic surf breaks.
Mission Blue recognizes Byron Bay as Australia’s 11th Hope Spot, with Alice Forrest, marine biologist and wildlife guide, and Elizabeth Hawkins, PhD, Founder and CEO of Dolphin Research Australia as the Hope Spot Champions in honor of their work to secure future protection of the region’s marine biodiversity.
Dr. Sylvia Earle, Founder of Mission Blue, says, “This Hope Spot hosts a high level of biodiversity, supporting crucial habitats for over one thousand marine species. Australian humpback dolphin, Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, zebra shark and gray nurse shark call this Bay home along with five species of sea turtles, many seabirds, migrating humpback, and southern right whales. Thank you to Alice Forrest and Elizabeth Hawkins for doing what you’re doing to protect this important blue pocket on Earth.”
Looking to the near future, the Champions’ key focuses are currently on connectivity and collaboration between like-minded organizations, support for research and citizen science opportunities, along with public education and community engagement. There is currently a Facebook page dedicated to fostering these connections.
Dr. Hawkins adds, “The Byron Bay Hope Spot will help to work towards having long-term protections in place to ensure the conservation and wellbeing of cetaceans and marine life and healthy, functioning ecosystems.” She continues, “The Hope Spot will provide a foundation to improve public appreciation and awareness of the unique values of the region.”
On the Horizon
The Hope Spot Champions are creating resources and opportunities for ocean lovers to learn about the marine park and how they can be involved in research and conservation.
Photo: Save our Sanctuaries Event © James Sherwood
This involves an Ocean Volunteer Hub to direct locals and tourists towards availabilities for hands-on conservation or citizen science with local organizations – right now that includes research into local species including turtles, manta rays, dolphins and more.
Photo: Citizen Science water quality testing © Dolphin Research Australia
They’re also working on educational resources for stakeholders of the Marine Park. “We want to create opportunities for ocean connection for those who live in the area but have never experienced what’s under the surface”, explains Forrest.
Photo: Volunteer beach clean up © Dolphin Research Australia
The Champions see the Hope Spot designation as a way to ensure the marine park meets its goals to protect ocean life. Forrest says, “Through greater public appreciation, awareness, and international recognition, the Byron Bay Hope Spot will add pressure on policymakers to improve protective measures with long-term conservation goals.”
About Dolphin Watch Australia
Dolphin Research Australia is a grass-roots marine conservation charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of dolphins, whales and marine life, through research, education and advocacy. For over a decade, Dolphin Research Australia’s long-term research programs have continued to increase the ecological understanding and conservation needs of cetaceans and other marine megafauna species. Dolphin Research Australia’s ocean education and outreach programs connect people with nature, empowering action and stewardship of the environment. Through increasing knowledge, awareness and positive actions, Dolphin Research Australia is helping to ensure the conservation and protection of our fragile marine life and oceans for many future generations to come.