# @macquarieuni on Instagram

- **Type:** Video
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/DdYKNLzFNmU
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/70467554-macquarieuni-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1a23d6db33.jpg
- **Posted:** 2026-09-17T05:56:34.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** Macquarie University (@macquarieuni) — https://gondola.cc/macquarieuni

## Caption

Marine and wildlife scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta recently returned from the first ever Tonga-led whale research trip 🐋

In collaboration with the local Vava’u Environmental Protection Association (VEPA), she trained local ambassadors to monitor whale sightings and collect environmental DNA, a tool used to detect marine life.

For some of the local team, it was their first time seeing a whale in the wild. The work aims to ensure the sustainability and longevity of whale swim tourism in Tonga.

Keep up to date on their findings over at tonganwhaletourismproject!

#MacquarieUni #WhaleResearch #Tonga

## Stats

- **Views:** 12,573
- **Likes:** 353
- **Shares:** 0
- **Comments:** 7

## Tags

tonga, macquarieuni, whaleresearch

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