The Peel-Harvey Estuary has been identified as a common area for dolphin live strandings.
Since 1987 there has been at least 40 live strandings in the estuary with several dolphins having lost their lives while stranded or shortly after due to stranding related issues such as severe sunburn.
The latest incident was recorded in December 2018 when one of the resident juveniles was observed in the estuary having suffered sunburn to its back. This individuals presumably spent time stranded somewhere in the estuary shallows while remaining undetected.
Of the approximately 80 current resident Peel-Harvey dolphins, 25 per cent have stranded at least once, some on multiple occasions. The strandings seem to be predominantly associated with spring tides with dolphins being caught in the shallows or on mudflats.
Many of the strandings have been recorded up along the Serpentine River and in Lake Goegrup as well as at the southern end of the Harvey Estuary.
Early detection of any stranded individuals is key to ensuring their survival, especially during the summer months when the risk of sunburn is high.
We believe awareness and more eyes on the estuary shallows will greatly increase the chances of us detecting any stranded individuals.
Should you see an animal stranded, or in distress, please call the DBCA Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.
Krista Nicholson is a PhD candidate with Murdoch University.