GeelongPort, Marine Mammal Foundation research to protect Corio Bay’s critically endangered dolphins

A one-of-a-kind research program is seeking to learn more about and protect critically endangered dolphins that calls Corio Bay home.

Burrunan dolphins will be studied in a first-of-its-kind research project in Corio Bay. Picture: Marine Mammal Foundation

A one-of-a-kind research program wants to protect a critically endangered dolphin species that calls Geelong’s shores home.

GeelongPort and the Marine Mammal Foundation have joined forces to help understand and protect Burrunan dolphins.

Recent surveys conducted by the foundation show the dolphins – which are only found in Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia – call Corio Bay home, but data about the rare species is limited.

The Burrunan dolphin was only formally described as a new and separate bottlenose species in 2011.

Prior to their discovery, there were only two different species of bottlenose dolphin.

Among the Burrunan species’ unique characteristics are a distinct tri-colouration.

But now the critically endangered species in Geelong’s shores will be monitored by the foundation with the help of GeelongPort through a non-invasive method of recording vocalising marine mammals.

Burrunan dolphins are being studied using passive acoustic monitoring stations. Picture: Marine Mammal Foundation

Innovative passive acoustic monitoring stations will be used to “eavesdrop” on the dolphins on a 24-hour basis, even when researchers are not on the water.

The stations will also be able to assess the marine soundscape and identify if other marine animals are using the area.

Director of the foundation Dr Kate Robb said Project Burrunan was the only research program of its kind in Victoria.

She said the limited boat-based surveys conducted in Corio Bay up to this point coupled with citizen science reports indicated the Geelong region was “significant” to the Burrunan dolphin.

GeelongPort Senior Environment Specialist Nelson Taylor with Amber Crittendon, Dr Kate Robb and Milly Street from Marine Mammal Foundation retrieving an underwater recording device. Picture: GeelongPort

“However, we have limited information on their regular presence in the area, much less their behaviours while using this habitat, such as foraging, resting and calving,” Dr Robb said.

“By understanding how the dolphins are using Corio Bay we are able to establish the significance of the area for the dolphins, but also assess any impacts on the species.

“While we would love to be on the water across all of our study locations, it is not feasible.

“That led us to think outside the box to explore a new method of detecting dolphin presence and marine soundscape assessment.”

Dr Robb said it was “incredibly exciting” to hear how the dolphins were using different areas during their days.

She said the new method of research enabled a greater understanding of their movements, as well as highlighted areas of “high biological importance”.

“We have been really excited that on each of our preliminary on-water surveys we have observed Burrunan dolphins in Corio Bay, with a fantastic sighting recently of a large mother-calf pod,” Dr Robb said.

GeelongPort sustainability general manager Dr Lisa Mills said through the partnership, the port hoped to ensure the Burrunan dolphins were better understood and protected “for future generations to enjoy”.

“GeelongPort is pleased to help the foundation gain data on the rare Burrunan dolphins in Corio Bay and information that is critical to their existence,” she said.

Originally published as GeelongPort, Marine Mammal Foundation research to protect Corio Bay’s critically endangered dolphins