Whyalla dolphins population: human-interaction managed sustainably.

Media statement

In early 2015 Whyalla Council approached Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR) with an opportunity to provide management around the feeding of dolphins at Whyalla with potential tourism, research and marine wildlife care outcomes.

DEWNR have discussed with Whyalla Council the welfare of the dolphins and willingness to consider opportunities that would be in the best interests of these animals, including options for Council to manage unregulated feeding while at the same time providing benefit to the local community.

DEWNR recommended to Council that prior to any proposal being considered further it would need to be supported by research and a detailed management plan.

An unsolicited preliminary assessment undertaken and presented to the Council reviewed the behaviour of dolphins in the area, including assessing their interaction with humans, feeding and linkage with tourism opportunities.

At this time DEWNR still recommends that further understanding of the status of the dolphin population is required as well as a strategy which demonstrates how dolphin and human interactions in Whyalla can be sustainably managed.