CRC REEF LEADS THE WAY IN DOLPHIN RESEARCH

17 March 2003

CRC Reef Research Centre is supporting the first comprehensive study into the special dynamics of two species of dolphin found in inshore regions of northern Australia.

CRC Reef postgraduate student Mr Guido Parra from James Cook University, is leading the investigation into the Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins in the hope of ensuring their long-term survival.

For the past three years, Mr Parra has studied local Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins in the Cleveland Bay area, located near Townsville in the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

The results of Mr Parra’s investigation will help improve the current knowledge of Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins and assist reef and coastal area managers in Australia to develop conservation and management practices to ensure their future survival.

The Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins are two of only three species of coastal dolphin found in northern Australia. They differ from other dolphin species because of their preference for inshore and estuary habitats. A report released by the United National Environmental Program in 2002 said the prospects for both species of inshore dolphins in the South East Asian region was ‘poor’.

According to Mr Parra, “No one really knows what would happen if inshore dolphins become extinct as experiments that discount the role of marine wildlife are rarely possible. What we do know, however, is that inshore dolphins play an important role in the structure and function of marine ecosystems because of their large body size, wide distribution and position as a top predator. Their absence could upset the balance of the coastal ecosystem”.

“One of first steps towards inshore dolphin conservation is for people to know that they exist. I have spoken with local fishers who have fished in the Cleveland Bay area for over twenty-years and said they had never spotted any Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins,” he said.

“The reason why these two species of dolphin are not well known may be linked to the fact that they are very inconspicuous and shy in comparison to other dolphin species. You probably won’t see them jumping around near boats, and also if people are not really looking for them they will not see them.”

Part of Mr Parra’s work is currently being shared with a researcher from the American Museum of Natural History who is doing a worldwide study into the genetics of humpback dolphins. The results of this study will provide a better understanding of the population status of humpback dolphins in Australian waters as well as in developing countries in South East Asia.

Mr Parra said there is still a lot of work to be done and the public can assist his research by reporting any sightings or stranding of inshore dolphins directly to him on 4781 5824 or to the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.

For more information contact:

Media Liaison at CRC Reef on 07 4729 8400 or 0408884521

Mr Guido Parra at James Cook University on 4781 5824, email guido.parravergara@jcu.edu.au