Join the NSW Dolphin Census!
Help fill vital knowledge gaps and improve our understanding of dolphins in New South Wales.
Do you have a pair of binoculars, camera with a good zoom, or keen eyes?
On 30th May 2026 we are calling on beachgoers and marine users to observe and count dolphins along the coast, bays, and estuaries as part of the first NSW Dolphin Census.
As a citizen scientist, your observations will provide a valuable snapshot of dolphin populations helping to improve our understanding of their status, distribution and conservation needs along the New South Wales coast.
Together, we can help fill vital knowledge gaps and strengthen dolphin conservation in NSW.
Who can take part?
Anyone can get involved — no previous experience required.
- – All participants must attend a training workshop prior to 30th May
- – Join on your own, with a friend, or as part of a group
- – Participate from anywhere along the NSW coast, including ocean beaches, coastal headlands, harbours, bays and river estuaries
What’s involved?
- – Before the NSW Dolphin Census Day, registered participants must attend one of our training workshops (min 2 hours) either in-person or live webinar online or a self-paced option online to help you:
- – Identify different dolphin species
- – Learn how to observe safely
- – Understand standardised methodologies & data collection
- – Before you take part, you’ll need to agree to the Health and Safety Statement and Conditions of Participation.
- – On 30th May, observe your selected coastal site for as little as 15mins to multiple hours during daylight hours applying the standardised methods.
- – Submit your observations before 6th June 2026.
Why it matters
The dolphin most of us are likely to see swimming in our estuaries or catching waves in the surf is called the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin, but despite this, we actually know surprisingly little about some of their ecology, habitat use, distribution and behaviours. This makes protecting our local resident populations particularly difficult.
By taking part, you’ll be helping fill vital knowledge gaps about dolphin populations across NSW, supporting research and long-term conservation efforts — all while spending time outdoors and contributing to real science.
About the NSW Dolphin Census
The NSW Dolphin Census is a collaboration between Dolphin Research Australia | Ocean Conservation & Education and the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, proudly funded by the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy.
