Assessment & monitoring of cetacean populations
Assessment of dolphin and whale population health & status
Dolphin Research Australia projects investigate aspects ecology, status and conservation needs of dolphins, whales and other marine species. With the help of our passionate citizen science teams, our work investigates the extent of human impact on individuals, communities and populations to assist in providing more informed management and conservation initiatives. For such long-lived species that are very difficult to study in the wild, long-term commitment is essential to establishing an accurate understanding of the status, trends and health of these keystone predators.
Our research projects are leading the way in establishing better knowledge to ensure the protection and conservation of coastal dolphins, whales and their habitats for the long-term. We work to develop new innovative management solutions and work closely with government agencies, the community and stakeholders to improve the conservation and protection of the marine environment.
Identifying Critical Habitats
Examining spatial use and identifying areas of critical importance to cetaceans
Social Ecology & Culture
Investigating the ecology, social dynamics & survival needs of cetacean populations
Threat & Risk Assessments
Providing in-depth threat and risk assessments for populations and species
Identifying Conservation Priorities
Defining and advising on the conservation priorities and management actions for the protection of species & their habitats
Working together
We work in partnership with government agencies, industry & communities to implement effective conservation & management measures.
Our Flagship Research Programs
Moreton Bay Dolphin Research Project
Bordered by the bustling cities of South East Queensland and the beautiful Moreton Bay, North Stradbroke Island and Bay Islands, Moreton Bay is home to a diverse array of marine life, including multiple species of coastal and oceanic dolphins. Similar to other areas in Australia, the local populations of dolphins in Queensland are considered to be vulnerable to decline or localised extinction because of small population sizes, low population growth rates, high site fidelity and geographic isolation.
Byron Bay Dolphin Research Project
In 2003, research on the Byron Bay coastal dolphins in Australia began. This research has provided valuable baseline information on this population. Results of this research have revealed that the Byron Bay region is utilized by over 1000 bottlenose dolphins that live in highly structured societies. Within this large population, only an estimated 30% are resident throughout the year. Critical habitats for these resident groups, which consist primarily of females and calves, have been identified within areas of concentrated human activity.
Healthy Waterways-Healthy Dolphins Project – Gold Coast
Dolphin communities that utilise estuarine environments are economically, socially, culturally and environmentally valuable, but are among the most vulnerable animals from disturbance and habitat degradation. This project will provide vital information on the status and health of dolphin communities in the Gold Coast region with the assistance of citizen scientists.
Gowonda – Tweed Dolphin Research Project
The Gowonda – Tweed Dolphin Research Project is a long-term research and monitoring program that integrates non-invasive scientific research, citizen science initiatives and education to provide for environmentally positive outcomes. In partnership with the Tweed-Byron Local Aboriginal Lands Council Land & Sea Rangers, the project will help fill critical knowledge gaps and determine the status and health of coastal dolphin populations of the Tweed region contribute to the long-term protection of coastal dolphins and whales and aid in effective management and conservation planning.
Jali – Ballina Dolphin Research Project
This project builds on previous research and help fill critical knowledge gaps and determine the status and health of the Richmond River estuary dolphin community. In partnership with the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council, it will apply non-invasive scientific research, citizen science and education to increase the knowledge, awareness and conservation management of the both the regional dolphin population and the habitats upon which they rely.
Ocean Voices – Byron–Tweed Hope Spot
Ocean Voices is a research and monitoring project investigating the diversity, distribution, habitat use and ecological connections of whales and dolphins throughout the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot. Building on our long-term research in the region, the project combines dedicated visual surveys, passive acoustic monitoring, environmental DNA (eDNA), photo-identification and citizen science observations to build a more comprehensive picture of the cetaceans using these waters. By identifying important habitats, seasonal patterns and conservation priorities, Ocean Voices aims to strengthen the scientific knowledge needed to support the long-term conservation and management of cetaceans and their marine habitats.
Byron-Tweed Hope Spot Biodiversity Citizien Science Project
Our Byron–Tweed Hope Spot Biodiversity Project is a community citizen science initiative under our Ocean Champion program. This project is helping to build a greater understanding of the incredible diversity of marine and coastal life found throughout the Hope Spot.
Using iNaturalist, community members can record and share observations of wildlife—from marine species and shorebirds to plants and other coastal biodiversity—creating a growing, publicly accessible record of species occurring across the region.
By bringing together observations from citizen scientists, researchers and our community activities, the project aims to improve knowledge of local biodiversity, help identify important habitats and species, track changes over time, and contribute valuable information to support research, conservation and management of the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot.
Anyone can take part—simply photograph the wildlife you encounter, upload your observations to iNaturalist and add them to the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot project.
East Coast Dolphin Watch Citizen Science Program
Our East Coast Dolphin Watch Citizen Science program provides a platform for the community to assist in understanding and monitoring of coastal dolphins whilst providing opportunities for education and environmental awareness. Citizen scientists can contribute by reporting information on dolphin sightings. Cetacean sighting reports received from citizen science Dolphin Watchers contribute to understanding the long-term status, ecology and protection of local dolphin populations.
Tweed Seagrass Monitoring Citizen Science Program
Dolphin Research Australia will lead a community-based seagrass monitoring programme with seasonal surveys in three estuaries of the Tweed Shire; the Cudgen, Cudgera and Mooball creeks. Seagrasses are vital blue carbon ecosystems that support biodiversity, water quality, carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and the blue economy. However, they are sensitive to stressors like heavy, prolonged rainfall and floods. Recent La Nina events (2020 – 2022) leading to major floods caused seagrass loss in New South Wales, which is being monitored through aerial imagery by NSW DPIRD as part of their NSW Estuary Asset Protection Program (NEAP). Following input from DPIRD, these community-based surveys will follow existing methodology to provide additional information on the seagrass conditions, degradation, and seasonal changes. The program will also provide educational initiatives to engage the community and raise awareness of the main impacts on our local seagrass ecosystems, whilst fostering a deeper connection to our natural surroundings, so we can safeguard the future of these incredible Underwater Gardens.
Byron-Tweed Hope Spot Marine & Coastal Litter Surveys
Our Marine & Coastal Litter Surveys combine citizen science monitoring with practical action to better understand and reduce pollution across the Byron–Tweed Hope Spot as part of our Ocean Champion Program. Working with community volunteers, we survey and remove litter from beaches, waterways and coastal habitats while recording the types and abundance of debris encountered. These data help us identify pollution patterns and potential sources, track changes over time and build a clearer picture of the pressures marine debris places on local wildlife and habitats. Through our Ocean Champion Program, the project turns monitoring into action—engaging our community in both understanding the problem and being part of the solution.
Previous Research Projects
Dolphin Communication Project
Dolphins have a complex and intricate visual, acoustic and chemical communication system. They are particularly reliant on their acoustic communication faculty to effectively and efficiently hunt, navigate, maintain contact between group members and advertise individual identity and activity.
Dolphin Mob – Indigenous Connections
Since 2012, Dolphin Research Australia, worked with Gumma Indigenous Protected Area, Nambucca Heads, New South Wales, to engage Indigenous Australians (Traditional Owners) in partnerships with researchers and community to together care for our Sea Country. The Dolphin Mob project aims to develop a long-term research and monitoring program of dolphins in the Gumma Indigenous Protected area, provide community education and engagement programs for active involvement and to record the cultural significance and relationships between dolphins and Traditional Owners of the Gumbaynggiir Country.