Broome's Rare Snubfin dolphin

Picture: Deborah Thiele


I know this story is old (July 2010) but I just love these kooky looking things.

The link @ http://www.thewest.com.au/ appears to have disappeared but here's what they printed then:

MICHAEL BENNETT, The West Australian July 30, 2010

Recreational fishermen and scientists have called on the State Government to fast-track marine protection over a section of Broome's Roebuck Bay after evidence that its rare dolphin population is suffering devastating wounds from boats and fishing gear.

In a report to be released tomorrow , WWF Australia says 60 per cent of snubfin dolphins examined in the bay have wounds or scarring from human interaction as a result of boat strikes or fishing gear.

The report comes as Environment Minister Donna Faragher said the State Government would commit nearly $30,000 for further research on the snubfin dolphin.

The three-year analysis of Australia's only endemic dolphin species, indentified for the first time in 2005, shows that in some cases dorsal fins are mutilated or completely sliced off.

The report found the high rates of injuries, greater than any other group of cetaceans ever studied, is likely the result of a clear overlap between snubfin foraging and socialising areas of the bay with high vessel use and fishing areas.
While many of the injuries are not life threatening, it said the high incidence and severe nature of some of the injuries indicated some deaths must occur.

Scientist Deborah Thiele, commissioned by the WWF to study the dolphin population, said the group was pushing for tighter guidelines regulating the use of the bay by boats and fishermen. There were hopes the area would be covered by declaration of a marine sanctuary outlining restrictions in the near future.

WWF marine species manager Lydia Gibson said an assessment process and consultation with community groups were essential.

"We need to be proactive so we don't run the risk of losing the species for ever … so often protection is ramped up when an animal is at the brink of extinction," she said.

Recreational fisherman Jason Fowler, a member of the Roebuck Bay working group, said he wanted 30 per cent of the bay protected by a marine sanctuary.

Ms Faragher said the Yawuru indigenous land agreement signed earlier this year included an opportunity for a marine park at Roebuck Bay.