The status of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Port Phillip Bay in 2022-2023 was Good and the trend is Increasing. In 2005, a community of short-beaked common dolphins, a usually oceanic species, established residency in south-eastern Port Phillip Bay between Mt Eliza and McCrae. The community comprises resident and transient dolphins, with some known to move between Port Phillip and northern Bass Strait.
The number of identified individuals using Port Phillip has grown steadily since 2005, with the second and third generations having also been successfully born and observed inside the Bay
Credit: Dolphin Research Institute
since this species first established residency in 2005. The third generation currently comprises 6 individuals born between 2019 and 2023. Currently, a total of 64 known calves have been born to known, catalogued individuals and that have used Port Phillip. Of the 64 known calves, 21 of them have successfully been tracked by DRI after they have left their cow's side. These individuals have been added to the catalogue of 153 dolphins. Estimates of calving rates and survivorship are currently being calculated and will be included in future reporting.
Anthropogenic pressures on these dolphins are evident through significant physical trauma to some animals. It is unknown whether these injuries were acquired within or outside of Port Phillip. However, they appear to recover well, showing resilience to the pressures of living in an urban environment.
Data contributors and acknowledgements:
Page last updated: 12/11/24