Two projects focussing on protecting and understanding Burrunan dolphin behaviour have been funded by the Victorian State Government for the health of the Gippsland Lakes.
Dr Kate Charlton-Robb, from the Marine Mammal Foundation (MMF), said the MMF was excited to be delivering the two projects.
“We’ll be researching what the drivers are for Burrunan dolphin movement at the Gippsland Lakes,” explained Dr Charlton-Robb.
“We know there is a significant drop in sightings of the Burrunan from Lake King to Lakes Entrance over the summer months.
“We don’t know how much of this is due to human behaviour – for example an increase in the number of boats and jet skis on the Lakes compared with other reasons such as following food supplies.
“We will also be preparing an information booklet about boating regulations, providing information sessions for tour operators and the community to make sure everyone understands the rules around approaching dolphins in boats or on jet skis.”
Dr Charlton-Robb said there would be plenty of opportunities for the community to get involved with the Burrunan dolphin projects.
“We’ll be calling on the community to help us by reporting sightings and submitting photos.
“This project is a great opportunity for us to better understand Burrunan dolphin behaviour and therefore to help protect them.
“There are only 63 Burrunan dolphins that live permanently within the Lakes.
“Understanding how human behaviour impacts them is so important to understanding how this changes their natural behaviour and condition.”
For more information about these projects, visit www.loveourlakes.net.au. To find out more about the Burranan Dolphin and the work of the MMF visit https://marinemammal.org.au.
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