Ecology and conservation biology of coastal dolphins (C1.4.5S)

Task leader: Mr G Parra, James Cook University.

Task associate: NA.

The overall aim of this project is to provide the baseline ecological information needed for the effective conservation and management of Irrawaddy and humpback dolphins in the Central Section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP).

In order to gather information on the ecology of these species, I will first assess their spatial distribution throughout coastal waters of the Central Section of the GBRMP. This information will be used mainly to identify protential key habitats for the species and possible interactions with anthropogenic activities within these areas. More specific information related to the distribution, abundance and patterns of habitat use of each species will be collected at a local scale within a discrete area in the Central indentification techniques, focal behavioural observations, stomach sample analysis and geographic information systems to gain information of both species ecology.