Dolphin Discovery Centre dives in to celebrate World Oceans Day

The Dolphin Discovery Centre is gearing up to celebrate World Oceans Day on Thursday and throughout the weekend. The centre will offer half-price entry to the interpretive centre on Thursday as well as displays and storytime readings for children under five at 10am and 11am.

The event will culminate with a beach clean up with the Dolphin Discovery Centre Storm Chasers at 8am on Saturday.

Dolphin Discovery Centre conservation manager Jan Tierney said the day was a great opportunity to learn and be vigilant of all marine life on the coast, not just dolphins.

“World Oceans Day is really our launching pad to remind people at any time from now on, for the next three or four months, little tiny sea turtles might be found stranded on our beaches after the winter storms,” Ms Tierney said.

“Don’t put them back in the ocean, they need specialist care.

“Bring them here to the Dolphin Discovery Centre or contact us and we’ll get them picked up.

“We’re licensed by Parks and Wildlife to rescue, rehabilitate and release these little endangered sea turtles.”

The theme of this year’s World Oceans Day is One Ocean, One Climate, One Future - Together, with volunteers hoping people can come down to the centre to learn more about the cause.

On deck will be the Dolphin Discovery Centre Storm Chasers who organise community clean up days, as well as being on-hand for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

The group advocates for conservation efforts any time, with many members documenting rubbish picked up along the beach after hours, such as when walking dogs.

They, along with the Dunsborough Storm Chasers, often collaborate on community clean up days and education programs.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of World Oceans Day which this year campaigns for protection of 30 per cent of the world’s oceans by 2030.