THE PROJECTS

The foundation information of the local dolphin population is relatively unknown. There are a number of vital questions which need to be answered to ensure an essential understanding for effective protection, conservation and management. These questions have been defined and prioritised with structured methodologies for data collection, storage, manipulation and analysis. The end result has been the development of two major projects currently undertaken by the DDC research staff within Koombana Bay and the surrounding waterways. Each project has been designed to collect the necessary data to fulfil the research aims and objectives.

Dorsal Fin Identification Project

Cataloguing of Dorsal Fin photographs for identification purposes. The very first step is to develop a clear understanding of the dolphins' basic population dynamics. The ID project provides a clear list of the individual dolphins allowing an understanding of the population’s size and dolphin relations. With this baseline information, many other research projects can be introduced.

Population Dynamics Project

During every Research expedition and sightseeing trip, information on the dolphins and other relevant parameters are collected by our research staff. This information includes dolphin numbers, positions, times and activity, weather and sea state variables, boating traffic etc. This project can give us a great deal of preliminary information to develop current and future projects. At the basic level, this project allows us to have a snap shot on the dolphins' movements and group sizes, and by using the ID catalogue it becomes a powerful method of understanding the population dynamics of the dolphins.

This information will also give us a good understanding of their patterns of movement and where dolphins prefer to spend their time. And by identifying the marine habitat types within the Bunbury area, identification on the dolphins preferred habitats can be achieved.

DDC RESEARCH PROGRAMS (Future)

As our knowledge grows on the dolphins of Bunbury, projects related to the social structure, behaviour, biology and surrounding environment parameters will be introduced.

Human Impacts

This project involves the identification of responses from the dolphins towards the human impacts. The impacts that will be studied will include:

• Recreation - Local fisherman, jet skis, kayaks, ski boats, divers etc.
• Tourism - Sightseeing tours, dolphin swim tours.
• Interation Zone (IZ) - The DDC IZ on the shores of Koombana Bay and the potential effects from the human – dolphin interaction and the provisioning program.
• Industry - Port activity, infrastructure and environmental alterations, especially considering the increased rate of development in the future.

Genetic Research

Can be introduced to understand the blood relations of the dolphins and what environmental influences may be affecting their health and well being. DNA samples can easily identify these parameters.

Environmental Influences

Basic water quality monitoring information can highlight a number of environmental parameters that may possibly be detrimental to the dolphins and their surrounding environment. Combined with the genetic research and habitat preference, this can be a powerful source of information when designing management and conservation strategies.

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