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Our Dolphins are Unique
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Two species of resident dolphins can be found inshore along the Victorian coastline. DRI have been observing the resident populations of 'bottlenose' dolphins in Port Phillip, Western Port and the Gippsland Lakes for many years. Recently a resident pod of common dolphins have also been documented by DRI in Port Phillip.
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Bottlenose Dolphins
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Kate Charlton-Robb is currently finishing up her PhD studies on the genetic make-up of the 'bottlenose' dolphin populations to determine the exact taxonomic status and morphology of the species. These resident dolphins are paler in colour than their offshore counterparts and are slightly smaller in size. They also have reduced counter shading, which means that there is no distinct change in colour from their stomach area to their flank. Spots are not present on their belly like in some bottlenose species. Previous DRI studies indicated that 80-100 bottlenose dolphin reside in the southern region of Port Phillip during the warmer months.
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Common Dolphins
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These dolphins are visually and genetically very distinct from our resident bottlenose dolphins. Common dolphins can be easily recognised by the gold stripe that runs along their side and they are also smaller in size than the bottlenose. DRI have been documenting their presence in Port Phillip since 2006 and believe that there is a small population that resides along the eastern coast of Port Phillip during the cool months. Common dolphins are usually found offshore in large pods, sometime of 1000+ animals, that migrate with fish stocks.
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