Health concerns for Maribyrnong River dolphins after toxic West Footscray fire
SPRINGTIME dolphin sightings in the Maribyrnong River have been bittersweet, with their health believed threatened by dangerous chemicals flooding waterways in the aftermath of a toxic factory fire.
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DOLPHIN sightings in the Maribyrnong River have been bittersweet this season following the aftermath of the West Footscray fire.
Experts from the Dolphin Research Institute have voiced concerns about the dolphins’ health, after it was found toxic chemicals had washed through Stony Creek and into the Yarra River.
Water analysis by the EPA revealed industrial chemical solvents, detergents and fire soot particles were among toxins found.
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Dolphin Research Institute executive director Jeff Weir said the sightings were not completely joyous this year.
“This time, we are concerned for the health of these dolphins and the wider bay, with the flood of dangerous chemicals into the waterways following the recent industrial fire,” he said.
Scores of dead fish and aquatic marine life have scattered across Port Phillip Bay beaches over the past few weeks.
DOLPHINS REGULARLY SPOTTED IN MARIBYRNONG RIVER
Port Phillip is home to resident communities of about 120 bottlenose dolphins and more than 30 common dolphins.
The Dolphin Research Institute has sighted dolphins for almost 27 years.
Dolphins have been seen as far up the Yarra as the Chapel St Bridge and in the Maribyrnong River far beyond the racecourse.
The Institute suspects the dolphins follow the fish that migrate into the rivers.
Footscray Rowing Club member Richard Wilson said club members regularly spotted dolphins along the Maribyrnong River in the spring time.
“They’re amazing, they can follow us the whole length of the river,” he said.
Regulations state people should not approach dolphins closer than 100m in boats, 300m on jetskis or 30m for paddlers or swimmers
The Institute urged people to report sightings via dolphinresearch.org.au or by phoning 5979 7100.
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