unique coastal dolphins

Transcription

1 Sponsored by ING DIRECT Conserving Australia s Conserving Australia s unique coastal dolphins Unique Coastal Dolphins Guido J Parra / WWF-Aus Introduction Australian waters are home to at least one, perhaps two, unique dolphins. The Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) was only recently described as a new species 1 and recent genetic studies also suggest that Australian populations of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis) may also be a new species found only in Australia 2. Both dolphin species are found in the coastal tropical waters of northern Australia. We have only discovered these new species recently, as a result of genetic research. This emphasises how little we know about the marine environment, even when it comes to charismatic species like dolphins. As upper level predators both dolphin species are likely to play important roles in the marine food web of coastal ecosystems. The habitat for coastal dolphins, in particular those mangrove, saltmarsh, seagrass and tidal mudflat environments, are part of the most biologically productive of all marine ecosystems the zone where land and freshwater meet the sea. This coastal habitat is part of the cycle that maintains the ecosystem services (this includes climate regulation, coastal flood defence, fisheries, and waste disposal among others) that are critical to human welfare. At the same time, as top predators, coastal dolphins are a crucial top-down driver of food chain dynamics. In this report we summarise the measures needed to conserve Australia s tropical coastal dolphins with specific emphasis on the Australian snubfin dolphin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. Such measures, if taken now to protect the habitat of coastal dolphins, will avoid the need for costly and most likely ineffective emergency responses in the future. In this regard, coastal dolphins can be considered flagship species for the health of our tropical coastal marine environment. The opportunity exists now, through proper planning, for the creation of dolphin sanctuaries and the reduction of known and suspected threats to conserve these animals and other coastal marine species such as dugong and marine turtles. Key recommendations Surveys and research are needed urgently to assess the status of inshore dolphins at both broad-scale and at regional-scale to determine the distribution, abundance, movement patterns, and genetic structure of populations. This information will help provide the basis for assessing both the direct and cumulative impact of future and current activities on inshore dolphin species and associated ecosystems. Known key habitat areas should be designated as specific dolphin sanctuaries in all relevant States. Precedents for this approach can be found in the Great Barrier Reef dugong and whale protection areas. Reducing the impact of shark control programs in Queensland on coastal dolphins, and other species such as turtles and dugong is critical. Further research on alternative methods of swimmer protection is required as well as research into reduction of bycatch in shark control programs. Major coastal developments must be considered in a robust strategic framework that assesses the potential cumulative impacts on inshore dolphin species and ecosystems, with rigorous implementation of environmental assessment best practice and careful management by adaptation and continual improvement. Federal and State Governments must work together along with key stakeholders and communities towards the development and implementation of an effective conservation management plan for the protection of Coastal Inshore Dolphins across Tropical Australia. Coastal dolphins live in some of the most heavily fished, polluted and developed of all the world s environments. Because of this they are among the most threatened of all the world s cetaceans. 1

2 Distribution and ecology Australian snubfin dolphins are usually found in shallow waters (less than 15 metres deep) close to the coast (within 10 kilometres of land) and are strongly linked to mangrove systems, both upstream and in the mouths of tidal creeks and rivers. The range of the species extends through Australia s northern waters from the Kimberley in the west, across the Top End and as far south as Gladstone in Queensland. They may also occur around the island of New Guinea. The distribution of the Australian Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin extends across northern Australia from around Shark Bay on the west coast to just south of the Queensland and New South Wales border. These dolphins also inhabit coastal and estuarine areas, and occasionally rivers, in tropical and subtropical regions. The species occurs close to the coast, generally in water of less than 20 metres depth. Important habitat locations are difficult to pinpoint as the dolphins distribution ranges have not been systematically surveyed. Particular places were research has been undertaken (or is currently underway) and that appear to be important habitats include: Australian snubfin dolphins: Queensland: Princess Charlotte Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, Halifax Bay, Cleveland Bay, Bowling Green Bay, Repulse Bay, Fitzroy River Northern Territory: Darwin Harbour, Cobourg Peninsula, the Alligator Rivers Region, Kakadu National Park Western Australia: Roebuck Bay (Broome) the Ord River/ Cambridge Gulf, Prince Regent River, Cape Londonderry, King Sound, King George River, Deception Bay, Napier Broome Bay, Talbot Bay, Kuri Bay, Walcott Inlet, George Water and Yampi Sound. Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: At present there is limited understanding of the extent and significance of specific threats to Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins. 3 Both are inshore species that feed and breed in shallow waters and population studies suggest that they occur in low numbers and are likely to be highly localised in their distribution. Immediate threats are similar for both species and include incidental capture in nets (especially gillnets and those set around mangrove systems and those set as part of the Queensland Shark Control Program), and the overfishing of prey species. Resort and oil and gas developments; noise pollution, chemical pollution, interference and collisions from boat traffic; and the possibility of disease outbreaks to which marine mammals are susceptible, have also been cited as potential threats. Habitat destruction and degradation arising from coastal development is of growing concern, particularly close to major centres such as Cairns, Gladstone, Townsville, Darwin and Broome. In addition to these major centres, serious impacts on coastal dolphins can occur even in remote areas where small to large scale developments are proposed and are likely to involve the removal of mangrove habitat. Top predators such as coastal dolphins serve an important function in coastal ecosystem processes. Other top predators regulate the abundance and symmetry of the food chain, maintaining its ecological complexity. Complexity is important because it enhances the environment s ability to adapt to and absorb the effects of environmental change, including the various effects of climate change. Even short-term variation caused by coastal development can have considerable local impacts if the ecosystem is already under pressure. Although isolated local-scale effects may be considered minor, cumulative impacts can have serious regional, national or even international consequences. Conservation biologists have identified the reinstatement of top predators as one way to rebuild ecological complexity and establish ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change. Queensland: Princess Charlotte Bay, Hinchinbrook Island, Halifax Bay, Cleveland Bay, Bowling Green Bay, Repulse Bay, Fitzroy River, Great Sandy Strait, Tin Can Bay, Moreton Bay and Gladstone Northern Territory: Darwin Harbour, Shoal Bay, Cobourg Peninsula, the Alligator Rivers region, Kakadu National Park. Western Australia: Anjo Peninsula, Talbot Bay, Yampi Sound, King Sound, Deception Bay, Kuri Bay, Red Cone Bay, Exmouth Gulf, Ningaloo Reef region. Guido J Parra / WWF-Aus 2

3 MichËle DÈpraz / WWF-Canon Conservation Measures The value of healthy coastal ecosystems The tropical coastal environment such as mangrove, seagrass beds and river estuaries are among the most biologically productive and economically important ecosystems in the world. Millions of people live and depend on tropical coastal marine environments and billions of dollars are produced from energy resources, fisheries, tourism and other coastal-based industries. The ecosystem services provided by these environments are therefore essential for the livelihoods of many millions of people both directly through the consumption of natural resources such as fish and other marine species; but also in terms of factors such as the disposal of waste products from the land and coastal protection. It has also been shown clearly in recent years that intact coastal habitats can do much to prevent damage from tropical storms and tsunamis. 4 Given the increase in coastal populations and cities, coupled with increasing sea-levels and the frequency or intensity of tropical storms, the value of the ecosystem services associated with tropical coastal marine environments is increasing rapidly. The maintenance of healthy habitat for coastal dolphins would do much to ensure that these ecosystems continue to support a significant economy. Coastal dolphins and sustainable development Coastal dolphins rely on areas of very high ecological productivity, along with a diversity of other marine fauna including seabirds and turtles. Marine aggregation areas are isolated and patchy so tend to support substantial fauna biomass and, more importantly, massive turnover of nutrients. Such locations include the entrance to rivers and estuaries where fresh and saline water meets and where coastal dolphins occur. The biological processes at these locations drive exchange of nutrients between seagrass meadows, coastal mangrove and even terrestrial areas. They are vital components of biodiversity at the landscape level. Such areas are surprisingly sensitive to indirect effects. For example, small incremental increases in sedimentation can radically alter lightclimate causing loss of adjacent seagrass. Seagrasses are critically important fish breeding areas, a fundamental driver of natural coastaldefences and a major source of nutrients. Loss of seagrass would be expected to reduce the environment s carrying capacity for dolphins and other marine fauna through decreasing prey concentrations. Perhaps more significantly, seagrass loss also reduces substrate stability and dampening of wave energy. This creates a positive feedback, increasing pressure on mangrove and coastal dunes, increasing erosion and exacerbating suspended sediment problems leading to more seagrass loss. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Given a large area of their distribution includes areas within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park it is worth noting the additional consideration being given to these species by the Marine Park Authority. The 2007 Operational Policy on the Conservation of whales and dolphins in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park outlines a number of measures designed to provide additional protection for four species: Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) Dwarf minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata subspecies) Australian snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis). The Operational Policy sets out a number of objectives and actions including: The development of performance indicators, where possible and when required, to assess the effectiveness of conservation and management actions relating to whales and dolphins in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (the Marine Park). To concentrate management efforts on whale and dolphin species in the Marine Park for which a particular conservation or management concern is identified. In cooperation with other relevant agencies to take appropriate measures to identify and protect individual whales or dolphins, or groups of whales or dolphins that require special management in the Marine Park. Where necessary to designate suitable areas as Species Conservation (Whale or Dolphin Protection) Special Management Areas under the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Regulations To work with the Queensland Government to minimise interactions between commercial and recreational fishing activities and the Queensland Shark Control Program with whales and dolphins, which will include: - The identification of high-risk areas in the Marine Park for interactions between netting activities in the East Coast Inshore Finfish Fishery and the Queensland Shark Control Program, humpback whales and inshore dolphins. - The implementation of appropriate management actions to minimise interactions in these high-risk areas. So, while there are good arguments for protecting dolphins due to their intrinsic importance and the role they play in regulating the food chain, their conservation is dependent on habitat. There is a direct correlation with the need to maintain ecosystem processes and services for humans, the maintenance of ecological function through coastal dolphin habitat and the existence of coastal dolphins. 3

4 Integrated Coastal Zone Management The key to conserving coastal dolphins is conservation of their habitat. Unfortunately, the conservation and sustainable development of tropical coasts is among the most difficult things to achieve. Our current institutions and policies tend to be focused on protection of species from direct effects, without a true emphasis on overall biodiversity and ecosystem protection at the landscape level. Recently it has been identified that a lack of integrated planning, resource and enforcement in managing the coastal development is seriously compromising the protection of our very own national treasure the Great Barrier Reef. 5 Integrated coastal management involves multiple decision-makers and multiple stakeholders often with conflicting needs and interests. Environmental impact assessment (including Strategic Environmental Assessment), if properly and rigorously done, should integrate these needs so that sensible and informed decisions can be made. Neither are the effects restricted to coastal and marine areas. For example; improving the quality of water entering the Great Barrier Reef via major river estuaries which is key to maintaining healthy populations of coastal dolphins and many other species has required the introduction of new legislation (The Great Barrier Reef Amendment Bill 2009) by the Queensland government to regulate the impact of farming in sugarcane growing and cattle grazing regions. Apart from the ecosystem services that the coastal and marine environment provides, it is literally a first line of defence against the effects of sea-level rise. Erosion of biodiversity values at the landscape level (structure, function and composition), limits the natural environment s ability to maintain resources and function without costly intervention such as coastal flood defence. An intact and economically self-sustaining ecosystem should support dolphins as they are part of a healthy functioning ecosystem, including seagrass beds, mangroves and other important plant and animal communities. Conservation of coastal dolphins is both necessary to maintain a healthy ecosystem and the by-product of a healthy ecosystem. The following activities provide examples of the potential to create impacts on coastal dolphins: Unsustainable resource exploitation Underwater noise Sedimentation/reduced light climate Pathogens Oil or chemical spills Establishment of marine pests Human disturbance (including vessels) Discharges of pollution Toxic algal blooms Aquaculture Catchment activities Coastal development Dredging Coastal fisheries Oil/gas infrastructure Recreational boating Snubfin dolphin Ports and harbours Shipping 4

5 Many of these are likely to result in local-scale change in the composition, structure and function of coastal estuarine habitats. In particular, activities such as development and maintenance of ports and oil and gas infrastructure development have the potential for a wide range of threats, the sum total of which is expected to be greater than the parts. Both of these developments also tend to be associated with shipping and dredging, which are also significant activities. The following table identifies some of the more significant examples: Oil/gas infrastructure (including shipping and dredging) Queensland (Gladstone). Proposed LNG facilities for several companies and consortia. Dredging operations referred to the Commonwealth separately by Gladstone Ports Corporation. Potential to affect substantial areas of seagrass and alter coastal geomorphology. Western Australia (Kimberley). Proposed LNG facilities on the Dampier Peninsula. Dredging operations and associated coastal shipping infrastructure, road development and human population pressure increases. Northern Territory (Darwin) Ports and harbours (including shipping and dredging) Coastal Development Ongoing pressure from maintenance dredging and development for larger draft ships in over 20 ports throughout tropical Australia. Includes, in some cases, infrastructure associated with oil and gas development. For example shipping traffic in Broome has increased 700% over the past 2 years and is predicted to double again over the next few years. Queensland (Weipa). Extension to mines in Weipa with associated removal of coastal vegetation. Uncertain degree to which dredging and enhancement of port and shipping facilities will be needed. Deb Thiele Guido J Parra / WWF-Aus J rgen Freund / WWF-Canon Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin 5

6 Major Coastal Developments In Queensland alone, 110 Maritime Development Areas, about half of these in the tropics, have been identified for large-scale maritime infrastructure development. 7 All of these may have the potential to affect coastal dolphins, and those developments from Gladstone north could impact on both species. Examples of major maritime infrastructure include: Gladstone Liquefied Natural Gas Project Curtis Island Gladstone is well known as a precinct for industrial development. However, its marine environment supports a wide range of marine ecosystems including saltmarshes, seagrass beds and mangroves that are rich in biodiversity. Not only is the region home to Australian snubfin dolphin, Indo- Pacific humpback dolphin and dugongs, but six of the world s seven marine turtles are also known to occur in the region. Already industrial development in the Gladstone region has affected extensive coastal wetlands, reclaimed beach and mangrove habitats and there are current proposals to modify coastal areas north of Fisherman s Landing and the environment of nearby Curtis Island. 8, 9 There are concerns that the draft Environmental Impact Statements (EIS) from a number of proponents fail to adequately assess the direct and cumulative impacts of coastal development associated with these 10, 11 projects on coastal dolphins and other key marine species. The Port of Gladstone Rodds Bay seagrass communities are of regional significance as the next nearest meadows are located at Hervey Bay 170 km to the south and Shoalwater Bay 170 km to the north 12. Of particular concern would be any proposal to use dredge spoil to reclaim seabed in Gladstone Harbour which may impact on seagrasses. Current proposals associated with the dredging of new shipping channels in the Gladstone Port and reclamation of land north of Fisherman s Landing could result in the destruction of over 400 ha, or 7.0% of coastal seagrasses in the Western Basin of Gladstone Harbour. This includes 153 ha of the less common Halophila communities, representing 30% of this community type. Furthermore, over 700 ha or approximately 11.3% of the Western Basin coastal seagrasses could be at risk from this development. 13 The loss of this habitat - within a designated Dugong Management Area would be of major significance to the coastal ecosystems of the region. Development of Townsville Port The Port of Townsville, in Cleveland Bay, is undergoing a major expansion. One of the major projects is the development of the Townsville Marine Precinct (TMP), an area of 34 hectares at the mouth of the Ross River located within the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA) and is a known habitat for both dolphin species as well as dugongs. This major development project is designed to address the ongoing and increasing demand for marine facilities in Townsville, and will include a commercial slipway, docking facilities, 40 trawler berths and public boat ramp. Already, those snubfin dolphins and humpback dolphins in Cleveland Bay are exposed to a heavily modified habitat due to the close proximity of Townsville city. The magnitude of the Townville Marine Precinct will not only add to the cumulative impacts already at work but is likely to be compounded and magnified by future proposed developments such as the Townsville Ocean Terminal. There may be less than 67 Australian snubfin and 54 Indo- Pacific humpback dolphins in Cleveland Bay. A loss of even 5% a year of the population (i.e. 3 or 4 animals) of either species has the potential to lead to their local extinction. 14 Kimberley LNG Proposal In the Kimberley one of the major coastal developments likely to threaten populations of snubfin dolphins is the proposed LNG processing site at Walmadany - James Price Point - just north of Broome. Development of the site itself poses a threat to marine life, as research has shown that this is a significant area for the movement of a number of marine animals. 15 This may also be the case for the Australian snubfin dolphin with early research indicating that some migration along the Kimberley coast by dolphin groups or cohorts may occur. 16 These aspects of species life history are critical to determining the potential impacts of development on individuals, populations and at the species level. However, these are currently unknown and potentially not under consideration in the assessment process. Michel GUNTHER / WWF-Canon In addition, a major concern is the cumulative environmental impacts of the proposed LNG development, such as the proposed expansion of associated industrial developments to support this massive industry at Broome Port and associated boat traffic. The Broome Port is located within Roebuck Bay, which provides year round foraging grounds for the largest known concentration of snubfin dolphins in Australia. 17 Recreational and commercial vessel use of the bay is increasing exponentially and the high rate of serious injuries from boats to the snubfin dolphins in the bay is likely to increase, perhaps beyond the level that the population can sustain. 6

7 MichËle DÈpraz / WWF-Canon Climate change Climate change is a seemingly over-arching and all pervasive threat to coastal dolphins and their habitat. There are a variety of likely impacts on whales and dolphins from climate change, including changes in prey availability affecting distribution, abundance and migration patterns, community structure, susceptibility to disease and contaminants. Species such as the snubfin that appear to be localised in their distribution may face significant risks from climate change. For example, in locations where mangroves occur near high rock walls sea-level rise would result in the complete loss of these habitats. Future coastal development planned for areas fringing the mangrove systems could also prevent their ability to expand with sea level rise, and any development plans must take these considerations into account. Nevertheless, minimising the impacts of climate change effects overall relies on building ecosystem resilience, so the main adaptation response for coastal dolphins should be to protect their habitat as much as possible, so that other threats are reduced. Shark-control programs Shark meshing is of particular concern for coastal dolphins. From an examination of the shark control program database, a total of 245 coastal dolphins have been caught in the shark control program since Of these, 221 were caught in nets, 24 were caught on drum-lines and only 27 were released alive. Studies have shown that in Cleveland Bay near Townsville, the populations of these dolphins are so small that the sustainable level of human-caused mortality is less than one animal per year. 18 A similar study of the population biology of the coastal cetaceans should be a priority in waters surrounding Cairns, where most of the bycatch of both Indo-Pacific humpback and snubfin dolphins reported by the Queensland Shark Control Program occurs. Mitigation measures may be available in the future and these should be adopted (although they do not appear successful at this stage). Reducing the impact of shark control programs in Queensland on coastal dolphins, and other species such as turtles and dugong is critical. Further research on alternative methods of bather protection is required as well as research into reduction of bycatch in shark control programs. Given that governments and the public may be unlikely to accept the complete removal of shark-control programs, and that by-catch mitigation devices are not particularly effective, a compensatory alternative mechanism is required to ensure that other human induced mortality in coastal dolphins and other species is reduced by at least an equivalent amount. Fishing Globally, fishing is the major immediate threat to coastal dolphins and a number of species are now endangered as a result, such as Hector s dolphin from New Zealand and the Franciscana dolphins of South America. In 2001 the International Whaling Commission noted that the incidental capture of non-target species in fishing gear is a problem of international proportions, and is the subject of serious concern within a number of international agreements, including the Convention on Migratory Species. In the early 1980s observer programs for Australia s northern drift net fishery reported 14,000 dolphins killed in this fishery before it was closed with both Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins and Australian snubfin dolphins among the species caught by these driftnets. Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins appear to be opportunistic-generalist feeders, eating a wide variety of fish and cephalopods associated with coastal-estuarine waters. The diet of both species includes species that are targeted by net and trawling fisheries in Queensland. Interactions with these fisheries are therefore expected, particularly in areas where fishing operations overlap with dolphins high use areas. 19 The majority of fishers have been provided with identification guides and information on handling and how to reduce interactions with dolphins and other protected species. The regularity and quality of training and information provided varies across jurisdictions and little information has been provided specifically on coastal dolphins. All Australian fishers have also had access to the Australian Government funded SeaNet Environmental Extension Service which works with fishers to reduce bycatch and interactions with protected species. Inshore gillnets set near mangrove systems and across creeks, rivers, and shallow estuaries would be of particular concern for coastal dolphins as they have already proven to be for dugong for example. Although there is little reported evidence of bycatch of coastal dolphins in Australia, the reliability of this information must be taken into account. With the low observer coverage for most of the fisheries of potential concern, and the limited information available on the populations and locations of coastal dolphin species, it is hard to validate whether Australian commercial fishing is impacting negatively on coastal dolphins. There may be less than 67 Australian snubfin and 54 Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins in Cleveland Bay. A loss of even 5% a year of the population (i.e. 3 or 4 animals) of either species has the potential to lead to their local extinction. 7

8 MichËle DÈpraz / WWF-Canon Conclusions Coastal dolphins are an example of why we need a fundamental change in the way the conservation of species is addressed through current legislation and planning. Current approaches, which do not take into account cumulative impacts on the habitat of coastal dolphins, will be inadequate. In Australia environmental protection is focused primarily on minimising the damage from specific local developments on a small number of listed species and (an even smaller number) of ecological communities. An effective approach must address long-term cumulative impacts on biodiversity at the landscape level such as those arising from climate change and coastal development; adopt precautionary measures such as networks of marine protected areas; and reduce specific localised threats such as shark-netting, within a systematic framework. Fundamental to this more holistic approach must be a monitoring regime that measures the effectiveness of mitigation measures and subsequent ecosystem responses. Although not currently listed as threatened in Australia, there seems little room for complacency. In other countries, similar dolphins in similar habitats are threatened with extinction. Unfortunately, the history of coastal dolphin conservation indicates that by the time populations declines are noticed, and action taken, they may have passed the point where conservation remedies are simple or inexpensive to implement. Australia has a rare opportunity to act now before its too late, it is vital that we do not repeat the mistakes of the past and let Australia s unique native dolphin species disappear forever. Acknowledgments This report is based on the report: Nias, R. C., Lawrence, A. and S. Mustoe (2009). The conservation of coastal dolphins (Australian snubfin dolphin Orcaella heinsohni and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin Sousa chinensis) in northern Australia. WWF Australia. Many thanks to Dr Guido J Parra and Dr Deborah Thiele for use of images and expert information provided. References 1. Beasley, I., K. M. Robertson, and P. Arnold Description of a new dolphin, the Australian Snubfin dolphin Orcaella heinsohni sp. n. (Cetacea, Delphinidae). Marine Mammal Science 21: Frère, C. H., P. T. Hale, L. Porter, V. G. Cockcroft, and M. L. Dalebout Phylogenetic analysis of mtdna sequences suggests revision of humpback dolphin (Sousa spp.) taxonomy is needed. Marine and Freshwater Research 59: UNEP-WCMC In the front line: shoreline protection and other ecosystem services from mangroves and coral reefs. UNEP-WCMC, Cambridge, UK. 5. Great Barrier Reef outlook report 2009 / Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Captain Vic Justice, Chief Executive of Broome Port, ABC Kimberley s Rural Programme June 2nd management/maritime_development_areas.html 8. Department of the Environment, Heritage and the Arts 2008, BG International Ltd. and QGC Ltd, Energy generation and supply (non-renewable), Curtis Island adjacent to Gladstone, QLD, Queensland LNG project - Curtis Island Road. EPBC 2008/ Great Barrier Reef outlook report 2009 / Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority Gladstone LNG Environment Impact Statement Available online com.au 12. QGC A BG Group (2009) Queensland Curtis LNG Environmental Impact Statement. Volume 6: Chapter As above 14. Parra, G. J., Corkeron, P. J. and H. Marsh (2006) Population sizes, site fidelity and residence patterns of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation 129: WWF-Australia (2008) Coastal and Marine Natural Values of the Kimberley. Produced for WWF-Australia by: AES Applied Ecology Solutions Pty Ltd. 16. D.Thiele pers comm 17. D.Thiele pers comms 18. Parra, G. J., Corkeron, P. J. and H. Marsh (2006) Population sizes, site fidelity and residence patterns of Australian snubfin and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins: Implications for conservation. Biological Conservation 129: Parra, G. J. and Jedensjö, M. (2009) Feeding habits of Australian Snubfin (Orcaella heinsohni) and Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis). Project Report to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville and Reef & Rainforest Research Centre Limited, Cairns 10. QGC A BG Group.2009.Queensland Curtis LNG Draft Environmental Impact Statement. Available online 8