A photographic guide to dolphins in the Swan Canning Riverpark has been released to help the community monitor Perth’s dolphin population.
FinBook is a catalogue of dorsal fin images for dolphins observed in the Swan Canning Riverpark and Fremantle Port Inner Harbour from 2008 to 2011. Dolphins are most easily identified by scars and other markings on their dorsal fins.
To become a Dolphin Watch volunteer,
join River Guardians and attend a free Dolphin Watch training session.
Riverpark dolphins
Previous research of the Swan River dolphin community discovered a community of approximately 25 dolphins that use the river almost every day.
This group includes several adult females with dependent calves, one or two ‘alliances’ of tightly-bonded adult males, and a large group of sociable youngsters. The research indicates that many, if not all the Swan River dolphin community are likely to have grown up in the Swan River and have local knowledge that is important to their survival. These dolphins are likely to know where the fish are available to eat and return to these spots regularly.
The research identified the dolphins by the distinctive shape of their dorsal fins and collected valuable information about their range, habitat, behaviour and feeding. The Dolphin Watch program has an identification chart of the Swan River dolphin community’s dorsal fins that helps volunteers to identify sighting of these mammals.
Check out photos of the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins living in the Riverpark.