Standard Presentation Australian Marine Sciences Association Annual Meeting 2023

Monitoring an isolated population of snubfin jigeedany (dolphins) in Malandoom (Prince Regent River), Kimberley WA (#310)

Ellen D'Cruz 1 , Holly Raudino 2 , Adrian Lane 1 3 , Edmund Jungine 1 3 , Daniel Barrow 1 , Alexandra D'Cruz 4 , Chloe Rings 1 , Cherylyn Ozies 3 , Pete O'Connor 3 , Dean Cooper 3 , Kelly Waples 2
  1. Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, Broome, WA, Australia
  2. Marine Science Program, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia
  3. Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation, Derby, WA, Australia
  4. Oceans Blueprint, Perth, WA, Australia

A small population of Australian snubfin dolphins (Orcaella heinsohni), jigeedany in Woddordda language, are known to inhabit Malandoom (Prince Regent River), Lalang-gaddam Marine Park (LgMP). LgMP is jointly managed by the Traditional Owners represented by Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, and dolphins are recognised as a key value of the marine park. Five boat-based surveys focusing on jigeedany have been completed in Malandoom between 2016 and 2022. Survey effort was most similar between 2019 and 2022 with 19-24 individual snubfin dolphins recorded each year. Resight rates of individuals have been relatively high with 47-85% of individuals seen previously. Four jigeedany have been recorded every survey, suggesting there is a high degree of site fidelity. Malandoom is popular for tourism and has high visitation in dry season, including by cruise ships. There is growing concern that this pressure could lead to displacement of the dolphins or vessel strike in the relatively narrow waterbody. Given their local value and global conservation status (Vulnerable IUCN Redlist), this project highlights the importance of such a small population using a marine park, where threats can be actively managed to benefit the conservation status and resilience of the species.