ABOUT
THE BYRON BAY HOPE SPOT
A Mission Blue Hope Spot is a special place that’s scientifically identified as critical to the health of the ocean. These Hope Spots are championed by local conservationists – with the Byron Bay Hope Spot championed by founder and CEO of Dolphin Research Australia Dr. Liz Hawkins and marine biologist and wildlife guide Alice Forrest. This proposal was supported by many local organisations, businesses and stakeholders, and the resulting classification is used as a way to unify all these groups and people, bringing us together to protect what we love. While the project is coordinated by Dolphin Research Australia, it’s a collaborative community project.
MEET OUR TEAM
Alice Forrest
Hope Spot Coordinator
Alice is a marine biologist and wildlife guide with a passion for the natural world and the creatures who inhabit it. As a researcher but also a divemaster & freediver, she’s a firm believer in the need to communicate the science as well as the intrinsic value of the ocean and what’s beneath the surface. After completing a Bachelor of Science (Biodiversity & Conservation) and Bachelor of Marine & Antarctic Science (with Honours), she has worked around her home country of Australia & the seas and oceans of the world. Her work as a scientist has led to her finding plastic inside commonly eaten fish in French Polynesia, discovering the most plastic-polluted beach in the world on Henderson Island (Pitcairn) and studying blue whales off Sri Lanka.
Alice believes that some of the best tools for conservation are connection and education, and uses her work in marine tourism to inspire people to be custodians for our planet. Whether it’s taking people to see penguins in Antarctica, exploring the frozen bays of the Arctic, or snorkelling with sharks and whales in warmer waters, she uses her degree and knowledge to inspire positive change and protect what she loves – our big blue planet.
Dr. Liz Hawkins
Hope Spot Coordinator, CEO & Founding Director of Dolphin Research Australia
Dr. Hawkins is a marine ecologist specializing in cetaceans, a wildlife guide and marine educator, environmental consultant and conservationist. Her passion for marine conservation and education led Dr. Hawkins to establish Dolphin Research Australia in 2012. Dr. Hawkins has over 20 years’ experience in marine mammal research and education. Her research has focused on the ecology, biology and conservation of coastal cetaceans in Australia. She has a particular interest in the social systems, communication, population dynamics, risk assessments and health of dolphins.
Dr. Hawkins is a passionate educator and has helped to develop academic courses in marine mammal ecology, biology, stranding and incident response, in addition to, cetacean tour guide and operator training and education programs for school students. She often is an invited guest speaker at different events and workshops for community and specialist groups. She has written numerous books and education resources for children on cetaceans and marine conservation. In addition to her scientific and education roles, Dr. Hawkins is also an artist and illustrator. She produces artworks in multi-media including watercolour, ink, block printing and textiles that are inspired by nature and caring for the Planet.
ALLIANCES
The Hope Spot Alliance is made up of local not-for-profit organisations who have a focus on environmental conservation and regeneration. They engage the community, advocate for the ocean, create citizen science opportunities or are involved in hands-on grassroots action to protect our coastal waters.
SUPPORT US!
Dolphin Research Australia’s mission is to conserve and protect our beloved salty backyard by working together with local organisations, empowering our community to take grass-roots action and directly address key threats to marine life and ecosystems in the Byron Bay Hope Spot. You can help us achieve this by making a Tax Deductible Donation to Dolphin Research Australia.
Byron Bay Hope Spot is a project of Dolphin Research Australia & Ocean Education & Conservation, Patagonia and 1% for the Planet. All donations will go to ACNC registered charity Dolphin Research Australia Incorporated.
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We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the Bundjalung Nation on which we live, play and work, and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay our respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Elders past, present and emerging.