Dolphin Watch makes a big splash

The sprawling pathways along the South Perth Foreshore always serve up postcard-perfect scenery, but Dolphin Watch volunteer Sue Harper finds her attention is constantly drawn to the Swan River/Derbarl Yerrigan. 

Amidst the expansive parks, bustling cafes and vibrant wildlife, a resident population of dolphins has captured her heart. 

One dolphin among them is particularly special to Sue, because she had the honour of naming it after being the first volunteer to spot the calf in June 2022. 

Sue settled on the charming moniker of Kaya – the Noongar word for ‘hello’. 

But in the 14 years since volunteering, her sightings have provided more than a burst of joy to her day. Sue and the many other Dolphin Watch volunteers are providing invaluable reports to help the River Guardians and researchers better understand how dolphins use rivers and estuaries. 

Initially launched in 2009, the project was established to learn more about the community of Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins residing in the Swan Canning Riverpark. After successfully engaging and training over 1,000 volunteers in Perth, the project expanded to Mandurah and Roebuck Bay in Broome in 2018. 

The City of South Perth also works with the River Guardians, a Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions initiative, to deliver important wildlife education. This has included educating people on the impact their dogs can have on the local wildlife. 

“I used to walk my dog around the South Perth Foreshore, and I’d always have my eyes on the river looking out to see dolphins,” Sue recalls. 

“Over the years of volunteering, I've learned more about dolphin behaviours and over time, I've seen lots of different behaviours, including tail slapping, jumping, tossing and catching fish,” Sue says.

“I think we're so lucky to have a resident community of dolphins and it's critical that we do everything we can to protect them and care for them.”