Marine Vertebrate Ecology Lab
Jervis Bay Dolphin Project
Marine mammals play a critical role in coastal marine ecosystems as predators and ecosystem engineers. As indicators of ecosystem health, their population dynamics reflect changes in prey availability, habitat quality, and cumulative anthropogenic stressors, making them essential focal species for conservation-oriented research. Despite their importance, many local dolphin populations remain poorly monitored, limiting our ability to detect ecological change or implement evidence-based management.
This project aims to establish a contemporary baseline population assessment of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus) in Jervis Bay, NSW. This is a crucial reference point for detecting future changes and supporting adaptive management strategies aimed at safeguarding the long-term viability of the bottlenose dolphin population.
The primary research questions are:
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What is the estimated abundance of bottlenose dolphins within Jervis Bay?
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What is the demographic composition of the population in terms of age classes?
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To what extent does the population exhibit site fidelity within the bay?
The Jervis Bay Dolphin Project aims to connect science and community to protect and understand the local Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population. Through research and citizen science we want to empower the local community to collaborate with scientists in preserving the health of the Jervis Bay marine environment.
Getting involved
You can help us learn more about the dolphins in our backyard simply by reporting when and where you see them! This information tells us a lot about how the dolphins like to spend their time and helps us to protect their habitats.
Using iNaturalist, a free sightings app, you can upload photos of dolphins when you’re out and about in Jervis Bay. Whether you’re on the water boating, or enjoying a coastal walk along the beach, you can be a part of our growing community of dolphin spotters.
Use this QR code to download the app for free, and search for the Jervis Bay Dolphin Project community to keep up to date with other sightings!
If you have any questions, please contact jb-dolphins@uow.edu.au
