President of Friends of the Gippsland Lakes (FOGL), Heather Oke, is asking the public to join the Marine Mammal Foundation (MMF) and FOGL for a charity screening of the short documentary The Dolphin Dilemma this Sunday and an update from MMF’s Dr Kate Robb on the current research on the critically endangered and iconic Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin.
The Dolphin Dilemma has now been accepted into 86 international film festivals across 28 countries, and has received 55 awards.
The screenings will take place at the Slipway from 11am-12.30pm, and again from 5-6.30pm, with an additional showing at St Mary’s Bairnsdale on Monday from 5-6.30pm.
A gripping documentary on the impacts of global climate change and the local devastation of freshwater skin disease, this exposé hopes to educate and inspire critical conservation action in an ever-changing climate.
Featuring MMF’s Dr Kate Robb, Chantel Foord and Amber Crittenden, they will delve into the current research on the Gippsland Lake Burrunan dolphin, and alongside co-author Dr Padraig Duignan, there will be discussion the international collaboration that first identified this disease impacting dolphins with devastating effect.
The documentary is not publicly available yet so the charity screening offers a unique viewing opportunity.
“Dr Kate and Amber will give an update on the cutting-edge research currently being undertaken on the Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin, which have been impacted by freshwater skin disease, leading to a mass mortality event,” Heather said.
“With an estimated 30 resident dolphins remaining, coupled with the highest detected levels of toxicants globally, concerns of a localised extinction event are real.
“Your attendance supports a great cause, with ticket sales and donations directly contributing to the MMF research team undertaking our seasonal research surveys to monitor this ongoing issue as it unfolds.”
The seasonal surveys have enabled the long-term study of the Burrunan dolphin’s population status, calving rates, behaviour and distribution, and most importantly, the threats impacting the population to be better understood.
“From this work, MMF has reported to governing bodies, the scientific community and the wider public, to spread awareness and champion conservation efforts. Alarmingly, at this crucial time, the program is completely unfunded, and we are staring down the barrel of this extinction event blind with our hands tied,” Heather said.
“Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to see The Dolphin Dilemma, delve into the world of these majestic creatures, and play your part in the future conservation of the critically endangered and iconic Burrunan dolphin.
“We hope to see you there.”
