Marine data to help protect dolphin habitat

An important guide for the development of Greater Bunbury was achieved last week when the South West Marine Research Program released its first scientific publication on the region’s dolphin population.

The research, held over the past three years, analysed the population of dolphins between Capel and Binningup. It discovered that during summer about 140 dolphins used the region and the number dropped to about 65 dolphins during winter.

Murdoch University Cetacean Research Unit leader, associate professor Lars Bejder, said the data provided a snapshot of populations for any given time in the year.

He said the consistent data was the first step in plans to protect the dolphin’s natural habitat.

Dr Bejer said the findings would provide a basis for trends in population, food and important or safe areas, because dolphins were one of the region’s biggest assets and needed to be protected.

“There is going to be a lot of development in coming years, so now planners, developers and conservationists are well placed to make informed decisions and measure how developments may affect dolphin numbers,” he said.

The program is an industry, Government and not-for-profit initiative, striving to ensure the existing dolphin populations and marine systems off Bunbury are not affected by development of the region.

Bunbury Port Authority chief executive Kevin Schellack said it had supported the program since its start in 2007.

“The study will provide key migration patterns of the Bunbury dolphin population, which will assist with future port planning processes,” he said.