Learn more about the Swan and Canning rivers and the  dolphins that call them home. Join Dolphin Watch and become a citizen scientist!

Join us for this free training event and hear from leading scientists and researchers from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Murdoch University.

Learn more about the Swan Canning river system, dolphin biology, the resident dolphin community, how to identify the different dolphins and the different behaviours you may be lucky enough to observe. You'll even received a copy of the brand new 2022 edition of FinBook - an identification catalogue for dolphins observed in the Swan Canning Riverpark.

As a trained Dolphin Watcher, your monitoring reports will contribute to valuable research. Join one of the largest 'Citizen Scientist' cohorts in Australia and help us learn more about our resident dolphins and how they use the Riverpark.

A complimentary supper will be served upon arrival at 6pm with proceedings commencing at 6.30pm.  Tickets are essential for this event - register here.

Since 2016, at least eight Mandurah dolphins have become entangled in fishing line. In 2019, Luca, a 1-year old calf was observed entangled in fishing line. Luca was captured by DBCA wildlife officers and the fishing line removed. Unfortunately, soon after, he became entangled in fishing line again. The line was removed a second time, but Luca was left with a damaged dorsal fin that yet again got entangled in fishing line. During the third disentanglement attempt, Luca sadly passed away.

Unfortunately, Luca's entanglement is not an isolated incident but something that we see and hear about frequently. And its not only dolphins, but also birds, whales, turtles, seals and sea lions that get entangled and can eventually cause an agonising death.

In response to Luca's death, an annual clean-up event 'Luca's Legacy' has been set up to remove fishing line and other waste from the Mandurah waterways.

Please join us on Sunday 22nd October 2023 between 9am and 12pm at one of the our three sites in Mandurah/Dawesville. More information about the event, including the locations of the three sites, what to bring and other details, can be found here.

We look forward to seeing you on the day - simply turn up and register on site and enjoy a sausage sizzle and/or pizza and a soft drink with us afterwards!

Calling all Dolphin Watch volunteers!

We're holding a special information session on Thursday 5 October from 6-7pm. 

Hear the latest research findings from Assoc. Prof. Chandra Salgado-Kent and (thanks to your monitoring reports) and get the latest update on our resident dolphin population from Dr Delphine Chabanne who recently completed her winter scientific vessel surveys.

You'll also be briefed on an exciting new Dolphin Watch project sponsored by Fremantle Ports. We'll be inviting our dedicated Dolphin Watch volunteers to assist with this project and they'll be afforded the opportunity for some one-on-one training with our super scientists and even the opportunity for a lucky few to go out with Delphine on one of her dolphin vessel surveys on the Swan and Canning rivers.

Tea/coffee and biscuits will be served for this short, exciting Dolphin Watch event.

Get your free ticket to this event here...we look forward to seeing you on the 5th!

Our Gardens, with Josh Byrne is brand new event series addressing the latest megatrends in gardening, while providing Perth residents with an understanding of how they can support the health of our iconic Swan and Canning rivers.

Delivered by ABC TV Gardening Australia presenter and environmental scientist Josh Byrne, you will discover how climate change, shrinking lot sizes and affordability is influencing our gardens and gardening behaviours. He’ll demonstrate clever approaches to successful gardening that will contribute to biodiversity and the health of our waterways.

There are four workshops being delivered this spring. The first workshop will be held at Perth NRM's ReWild Festival at Murdoch University on Saturday 2 September and the final workshop will be delivered in East Fremantle on Wednesday 18 October at 6.30pm

Find out more and secure your tickets to these workshops here.

Wonderful Waterbirds

South Perth wetlands is home to a range of water birds of all shapes and sizes. Through interactive games and activities, discover why each bird has a different beak and body shape and how their special features help them survive in and around the water. Scoop through the water to investigate what these birds are eating and find out why we should all say NO to feeding birds bread!

Ages: 3-6 years. Date: Tuesday 3rd October. Location: South Perth Foreshore

For more info, or to book, click here