A study funded by the Fitzroy Basin Association (FBA) has found dolphins along the Capricorn Coast may be in danger of disappearing from the region.

FBA’s Coastal and Marine Coordinator Shane Westley said it was the perfect opportunity to highlight the plight of the Pacific Humpback and Snubfin dolphins. The dolphins are both listed as rare under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992.

Mr Westley said, “A four-year study has confi rmed there is a small and isolated population of around 50 Snubfin dolphins between the mouth of the Fitzroy extending to just above Yeppoon. “While it’s yet to be officially documented, it appears the species is not sighted again until north of Mackay and none are found south of the Fitzroy.”

“With such low numbers across such a small area, their chances of survival in this region are seriously impacted by issues such as inbreeding, habitat degradation, poor water quality and food availability,” Mr Westley said. “We hope to work collaboratively with groups involved in managing our marine areas to get a plan up and running that could address things such as boating and fishing practices,” Mr Westley said.

Daniele Cagnazzi, a PhD student with Southern Cross University Whale Research Centre, undertook the study, which involved collecting skin samples from both the Pacific Humpback and the Snubfin dolphins to help determine the genetic make-up of the populations.