Australia’s Critically Endangered Burrunan dolphin is under immediate risk of population decline and localised extinction. Endemic to south-eastern Australia with only two known resident populations in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes, the Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis) was formally described as a new dolphin species in 2011, by MMF’s Founding Director, Dr Kate ...
Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation
Conserving the critically endangered Burrunan dolphin
GOAL
$200,122
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
- General population
Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation
The Australian Marine Mammal Conservation Foundation (TA Marine Mammal Foundation, MMF) aims to establish and advance knowledge and conservation of marine mammals (whales, dolphins and seals); apply findings to achieve informed and effective conservation outcomes; raise community and stakeholder knowledge; empower change through greater awareness and action opportunities; and support the next generation. Our work raises awareness of, and connection to, our amazing marine environment; aims to understand, mitigate and manage threats; and gains greater protection and conservation for threatened marine megafauna. We ensure what we do today, creates a better tomorrow.
We are the only organisation researching the Critically Endangered Burrunan dolphin, with less than 250 individuals remaining in the two Victorian populations, they are at a high risk of extinction, and there is much we need to do to protect and preserve this iconic dolphin species. MMF undertakes applied research on the population demographics and distribution, species diversity, acoustics, and genomics. Importantly, we are assessing the threatening processes impacting these marine mammals and their environment, from anthropogenic underwater noise to toxicants and pollutants. We utilise this research to inform science, community, industry and governing organisations.
Beyond research, MMF emphasises engagement and education, playing a vital role in raising awareness, empowering communities, and nurturing the current and future generations of environmental stewards. With greater knowledge and understanding of our amazing marine environment, the threats they face, and why these creatures are worth our time to conserve and protect, we create compassion, consideration, and conservation.
Project Summary
Australia’s Critically Endangered Burrunan dolphin is under immediate risk of population decline and localised extinction. Endemic to south-eastern Australia with only two known resident populations in Victoria, Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes, the Burrunan dolphin (Tursiops australis) was formally described as a new dolphin species in 2011, by MMF’s Founding Director, Dr Kate Robb.
Following a recent devastating mortality event resulting in a 60% population loss of the Gippsland Lakes Burrunan dolphin, only ~30 resident dolphins remain. The Burrunan dolphin faces significant identified threats including anthropogenic contaminants, plastic and marine debris, commercial and recreational vessels, underwater noise pollution, and freshwater skin disease due to climate change. This extinction risk is further exacerbated by recently reported globally high levels of ‘forever chemical’ PFAS, mercury, and legacy persistent organic pollutants found in deceased Burrunan dolphins.
Critical gaps in knowledge, including population demographics and viability, genetic diversity, health assessment, impact of contaminants, and capacity to respond to current and emerging threats significantly hinder conservation efforts. Through this project, MMF will use a multi-disciplinary approach following robust and innovative scientific methodologies to explore the population status and the threatening process impacting the Burrunan dolphin populations in Victoria. Through demonstrated, innovative and emerging research methodologies, we will undertake seasonal in-field surveys to develop comprehensive population assessments, while exploring genomics, immune gene diversity, geospatial mapping, passive acoustic and eDNA monitoring.
We utilise findings from this research to inform evidence-based management, create greater understanding of the marine environment, and improve marine mammal focused conservation strategies.
Project Outcomes
MMF is the only research, education and conservation organisation with a specific and active focus on the Burrunan dolphin. Despite being formally described as a new species in 2011, listed as ‘Endangered’ under Victoria’s FFG Act in 2013, and recently reassessed as ‘Critically Endangered’ in 2021, there is currently no Victorian State Government Action Statement, and no Species Forecast. Therefore, meeting the basic needs for targeted conservation action, mitigation of threats, and long-term management and conservation of the species is incredibly difficult. MMF’s ongoing research and increased understanding of threats are crucial to rectify this shortfall.
Furthermore, the Burrunan dolphin is an iconic and valued asset to local coastal communities, across both the Port Phillip and Gippsland Lakes regions. There is a strong desire for the conservation, protection, and survival of the Burrunan dolphin by the community, fostered through MMF’s research and our robust engagement and education initiatives. Not only is the Burrunan dolphin a beacon of environmental stewardship across Victoria, many are working to conserve the local marine environment and mitigate known threats.
Success of this project will be demonstrated through the ongoing completion of MMF’s vital Burrunan dolphin research, providing crucial data required to fill knowledge gaps, and the creation of an informed Action Statement, Species Forecast and evidence-based conservation strategies, while raising community and stakeholder awareness to secure the protection and survival of this species. By supporting MMF and the conservation of the Burrunan dolphin, together, we can ensure what we do today creates a better tomorrow!
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $200,122
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding Gap | $200,122 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Research surveys x20 days/season, including collection of behavioural focal follow, fin photographic, health data and geospatial data, deployment and retrieval of SoundTraps, and UAV | $127,600 |
| Research accommodation Gippsland Lakes | $12,000 |
| eDNA extraction kit and eDNA sequencing | $4,648 |
| Burrunan dolphin mitochondrial genome DNA sequencing | $24,074 |
| Digital data storage (15TB harddrives) | $1,800 |
| MMF Project Management | $30,000 |
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