Dr. Cara Miller of WDCS on Howard & Zeina's fundraising efforts

I've been conducting research on spinner dolphins up at Moon Reef for almost 3 years now. During that time we've gained some important insights into behaviour, habitat, site-fidelity, and acoustics. Putting these scientific pieces together has led us to consider Moon Reef as a critical resting habitat for a relatively small group of semi-resident dolphins. Additional factors we have discovered through our time at Moon Reef are the important cultural link this pod of dolphins has to local villages - as well as their potential disturbance when boat traffic is increased. It was clear to me that this population would benefit from protection measures and local engagement yet when I considered my job commitments this goal seemed like something that perhaps I wouldn't have time to work on. This is where Howard stepped in. Through discussions with him we agreed on a plan for South Pacific Projects to assist with data collection throughout the year to provide important baseline information. Furthermore, his engagement with the Fiji Locally Managed Area Network - and the invite (to both of us) to join the newly established local environment group gave significant momentum - and ultimate declaration - of a marine protected area for Moon Reef. Howard's tireless efforts were instrumental in achieving this significant result. This fundraising bike ride is another indication of South Pacific Project's commitment to this work. I look forward to continuing to work with both Howard and Zeina in future research efforts, policy initiatives and conservation benefits for spinner dolphins in Fiji.

Dr. Cara Miller - International Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society