Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Bottle-nosed Dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Port Stephens is home to a resident bottle-nosed dolphin population of over 150 individuals. They are the basis of a rapidly expanding dolphin watch industry.

The growing appreciation of observing dolphins in their natural environment has led to both recreational and commercial boating activities.

Increased traffic is likely to have significant effects on the local dolphin population, and it is necessary to investigate and monitor these interactions to protect the dolphins themselves as well as the industry that depends on their well-being.

The DREAM (Dolphin Research Education And Management) project gathers information to better understand the dolphins' movements, needs, habitat and food requirements. It lead to the development of a management plan, which has considerable local support and provides a scientific base to better protect the dolphins.

The story of the DREAM project began in 1998 when a small group, including Dolphin Watch Operators Frank Future and Yves Papin, brought up the issue of the preservation of the port while keeping the private enterprises profitable.

They initiated the DREAM Fund through which commercial tour operators finance dolphin research. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife administers the project funds and assists with the marketing and promotion of the DREAM fund, raises additional funds and secures sponsorships.

Getting to know the dolphins

Scientists conduct ongoing studies into the dolphin population in Port Stephens, collecting data on habitat use, feeding patterns, pod size, breeding criteria, sleep and recreational requirements. They also monitor the impact of boats, jet skis, fishing and environmental impacts of pollution, industry and habitat changes.

The Australian guidelines for cetacean watching are in place to protect the dolphins from harmful interactions with vessels. They are however recommendations and as such not legally binding.

Theodolite tracking revealed some severe breaches of the guidelines. Just under 25% of interactions involved approaches to groups containing calves and newborns, vessels were within 30m and 50m of dolphins, where a distance of at least 50 metres is recommended and there were observations of vessel handling techniques in breach of the guidelines.

The Port Stephens Dolphin Watch Association has introduced a code of conduct amongst its members to help protect the welfare of the Port Stephens dolphins. This self-regulating code is based on the DREAM data and aims to minimise the impact on dolphins resulting from tourist operators’ activities.

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