STRADDIE’S whale festival will have a little extra this year, with scientists giving talks about the whales, dolphins and dugong.
Traditional owners and scientists will share their knowledge of the marine mammals at next month’s free University of Queensland Moreton Bay Research Station Marine Mammal Forum: Sharing Scientific and Traditional Knowledge.
The forum, part of the Yura Yalingbila – Welcome Whale Festival on North Stradbroke Island, will include talks from traditional owners and researchers.
Yura Yalingbila Festival organiser Avril Quaill will speak about the festival, what it means to the community and the importance of Yalingbila to Quandamooka people.
Three sessions throughout the day will focus on yalingbila (whales), buwangun (dolphins) and yungun (dugong).
Research station education coordinator Kathy Townsend said each session would be opened by a traditional owner speaking about cultural significance, followed by talks from scientific experts.
“There will be displays by groups, including Dolphin Research Australia, Humpbacks and High-Rises, Coral Sea Dreaming and UQ's Centre for Marine Science,” Dr Townsend said.
Children must be accompanied by an adult for the event on Monday, July 31 which will run from 9am to 3pm.
It will be at the Moreton Bay Research Station, 37 Fraser Street, Dunwich
Inquiries can be made to mbrs@uq.edu.au or call 3409 9058.
