How you can help
Protect dolphins
The Patawalonga Lake receives runoff from 230 square kilometres of mixed land use.
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CAUTION around mother and baby dolphins
Please slow down. Do not approach within 150m of a mother and her calf.
It's calving season and we're expecting new calves in the area. Please slow down on the water and look out for calves.
Calves are very vulnerable in the first few months of their life. It's important they have the opportunity to rest, feed and improve their swimming skills.
Watercraft are not to approach within 150m of a mother and calf, and not within 50m of other dolphins.
Dolphins are protected marine mammals. It is illegal to feed, harass or harm dolphins. Penalties apply.
There are many simple ways you can help protect the dolphins and their habitat
DO NOT approach
If out on the water please slow down, keep a lookout and do not approach dolphins.
Do not approach within:
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50m of a dolphin
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150m of a calf or a dolphin that is sick or injured
It is fine if the dolphins approach you but please do not approach them. It is important that dolphins are able to feed, rest and play.
Please observe the speed limits.
DO NOT feed the dolphins
Feeding wild dolphins is illegal and very harmful to them. Dolphins have many different fishing techniques and are great at catching their own fish.
Feeding dolphins alters their behaviour and causes them to hang around boats and areas where people are fishing, increasing the likelihood of them being hit by boats, becoming caught in fishing line or deliberately harmed.
Dolphins are protected marine mammals. It is illegal to feed, harass or harm dolphins. Penalties apply.
Please reel in fishing lines when dolphins are close
Unfortunately, we have had dolphins that have suffered serious injuries and even died due to fishing line entanglements. Please reel in lines if dolphins are nearby and please make sure to dispose of fishing line and rubbish in the bin.
Please do not throw fish scraps in the water. This leads to dolphins scavenging and hanging around people that are fishing, increasing the risk of entanglement.
Try to avoid using plastic bags and dispose of rubbish responsibly
Plastic bags take years to break down and sadly often end up in our waterways.
Ensure the drain is just for rain
Stormwater from our streets goes straight into the sea. Prevent rubbish, chemicals and other substances from washing into the drains.
Keep in mind when watching dolphins
