Penny Dawes

Penny has volunteered with ECWS for the past two years and is excited to return for the upcoming season. Volunteering with ECWS brings her endless joy, allowing her to research these magnificent animals while contributing to the scientific papers developed from the data and photographs collected by the team.

Penny believes humpback whale research is vitally important for identifying the whales’ habitat and migration needs, as well as understanding the hazards they face in an ocean increasingly affected by human activity. These threats include vessel interactions, entanglements and the growing impacts of climate change. She is passionate about humpback whale protection and conservation, helping to ensure they continue to thrive and contribute to the rich biodiversity of the ocean.

When the whales have left the Gold Coast, Penny enjoys photographing the beautiful flora and fauna found across the Gold Coast and surrounding areas.