The Dolphins of Mandurah are Indo Pacific bottlenose dolphins. The much loved resident inland population in the Peel-Harvey inland waterways consists of over 80 residents. They range through the entire Peel-Harvey Estuary system. They may also venture out to the ocean through the Mandurah channel (and far lesser extent the Dawesville Cut) for short periods.
There is a further 25+ coastal dolphins residing between the ocean and dawesville cut waters but rarely venturing into the inlet.
A research study in 2012 found 46 different dolphins used the town waters between boundary island and the ocean during march-june 2012. A new long term research study from January 2016 again by Murdoch University is expanding the study area to the offshore coastal population as well. This coastal population is estimated at well over 400 dolphins.
~~Our website focuses on the inland population~~
This population is at high risk of stranding in our very shallow waters. Many of our dolphins have stranded several times!
You can read all about the many strandings on our pages here.
For how you can help the dolphins please read this page
Births normally occur during Summer/Autumn ( December to May) and we often see approximately 7 to 10 inland births each year.
The inland waters of the Peel-Harvey give the dolphins greater protection from predators however they still face many dangers. If you live in Mandurah or are interested in helping dolphins make sure you read our page on Dangers and how you can help
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You can now identify the dolphins using the Dolphin Watch Fin guide! This booklet is available free to attendees of our Dolphin Watch and Dolphin Forum events. Can't wait? The Mandurah Cruises gift shop at the boardwalk also has copies for a donation of $10 towards the next issue.
JOIN IN ON FACEBOOK!
Follow research into our dolphins by Murdoch University
Follow Dudley Dolphin and the dolphin buddy club for the children & how you can get involved to help.
WAYS TO HELP THE DOLPHINS
WOULD YOU LIKE TO HELP SAVE A DOLPHIN?
