Help keep our Indo Pacific humpback dolphin population safe
Indo Pacific humpback dolphins (sousa chinensis)
These dolphins are largely found in coastal and estuarine habitats in tropical and sub-tropical regions from South Africa through to Northern parts of Australia.
This species, along with many coastal dolphins, are highly vulnerable worldwide with habitat degradation a real concern in many parts of the world where this species exists.
Indo Pacific Humpback dolphin in Tin Can Bay
In a WWF Australia paper on the conservation of Australian coastal dolphins, specifically the Indo Pacific humpback and the Australian snubfin, the following conclusion was reached.
"Australia has a rare opportunity to act now before its too late, it is vital that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past and let Australia's unique native dolphin species disappear forever." (WWF, 2009, 'Conserving Australia's unique coastal dolphins', p.8)
The WWF article contains a lot more information on the threats to this species on a broader scale so to learn more about how important it is for us to keep them safe follow this link. www.wwf.org.au/publications/snubbyoct09
For further information on Indo Pacific humpback dolphins and their current conservation status follow these links:
- Commonwealth Department of Environment, Heritage, Water and the Arts
- IUCN list of threatened species:
- Queensland Department of Environment and Resource Management
Indo Pacific humpback dolphins are rare and under pressure globally with habitat degradation a major concern. WWF have recommended establishing key habitat areas as dolphin sanctuaries for these and other rare coastal dolphins
What are the main threats to the dolphins from marina developments?
The main threats to these dolphins relates to the increased large vessel traffic.
- vessel traffic leading to disruption of important social behaviours, such as mating, communication and hunting
- noise pollution impacting on their ability to communicate
- increased potential for direct boat strike injuries
- direct harassment, being followed by boats, once again disturbing their behaviour
- marine debris, causing entanglement
- habitat degradation - dolphins depend on the health of the entire ecosystem so sea grass and mangroves are important to them too
Been to Tin Can Bay to feed the dolphins?
There are three dolphins in Tin Can Bay that are known far and wide. Mystique, Patch and Harmony are Indo Pacific humpback dolphins who make an appearance each morning to be fed by visitors as part of a DERM endorsed feeding program.
One of the proposed marina developments is to take place in Snapper Creek directly impacting on the current feeding location and their ability to use this part of their habitat on an ongoing basis.
If you have visited these beautiful animals we urge you to help us keep them safe along with the other Indo Pacific dolphins that rely on the Great Sandy Strait and Tin Can Inlet.
For further information on dolphin feeding go to Barnacles Dolphin Centre
Courtesy of Dolphin Ferry Cruise - photo by Jen Curry