Dolphin Diary – August 2016
Hunter
DOLPHIN DIARY AUGUST 2016
Hi Everyone,
August has been another great month.
The most exciting news is that Mike Bossley recently sighted a mum with a brand new calf. He spotted the pair out near black pole while conducting a survey on the 24th August. The mother is another smooth fin and the calf appeared to be swimming well. We are a few months from baby season for the Port River Dolphins but we are expecting a few of our residents to delight us with new calves soon.
A mother dolphin with her new calf
Photo: Mike Bossley
On the 20th August Port Adelaide had its first visit from a Sea Shepherd vessel. The “ MV Steve Irwin” came to Port Adelaide as part of Sea Shepherd’s operation Jeedara campaign to protect the Great Australian Bight. Sea Shepherd do a phenomenal job helping to defend, conserve and protect wildlife in the world’s oceans and it is great that they have been here in South Australia.
MV Steve Irwin
The Great Australian Bight has the world’s largest Southern Right Whale nursery and is Australia’s most important sea lion nursery. A number of species of whales, dolphins and fish use and pass through the area. It is very concerning that BP may get approval to drill for oil there.
A Port River Dolphin passing the MV Steve Irwin
It was great to see the MV Steve Irwin as it left Port Adelaide to make its way to Kangaroo Island on Monday 22nd August. Resident dolphin Bubbles gave a salute with his fluke as the ship departed the wharf and other dolphins swam by as it made its way back out of the Port River.
Bubbles and the MV Steve Irwin
A port river dolphin passing the MV Steve Irwin
Over the month it has been great to see several of the smaller pods join and interact. It is great watching their playful behaviour.
Marianna, Bubbles, Mouse, Hunter, Ollie and Star
There has also been some great bow riding and wake riding. Many of the port river dolphins will surf in the waves created by the back of the boats but Marianna seems to be the one we see wake riding most often. Marianna’s mum Billie used to often ride in the wake of the tugs and I’m sure Marianna has got his active playful nature from her.
Marianna leaping in the wake of a tug
Marianna leaping in the wake of a tug
Some of the other Dolphins we have seen over the last month include Lunar, Crystal, Hope, Marianna, Bella, Ali, Ripple, Bianca, Doc, Tallula, Ryan, Sparkle, Star, Lartelare, June, Bubbles, Twinkle, Rob Roy, Zoom, Harmony, MJ, Sophie, Sharpie, Proppy, Danya and Namor.
Below are links to a slideshow of some of my favourite photos of the month and some footage I took on the 11th August.
The Next Dolphin Diary will be at the beginning of October. Have a great month.
Best Wishes
Marianna
This article was written by Marianna