Instructions
- Reflect on Your Field Trip: Think back to your DPIRD River Warriors Dolphin Watch excursion. Use your notes and memories to complete this worksheet.
- Identify and Analyze: Work through the sections to test your knowledge of dolphin biology, identification techniques, and river health.
- Become the Expert: Apply what you learned to solve real-world problems facing our river systems.
- Extension: If you finish early, try the "Deep Dive" challenge at the end.
Section 1: The River Warrior’s Toolkit
Match the following terms or tools used during your excursion to their correct purpose.
- FinBook __ A. Used to observe dolphins from a safe distance without disturbing them.
- Dorsal Fin __ B. A citizen science app used to report dolphin sightings and health.
- Binoculars __ C. The top fin used to identify individual dolphins by their unique notches.
- Marine Park __ D. A catalogue of known dolphins living in the Swan and Canning Rivers.
- RiverWatch __ E. A protected area of water where specific rules help keep wildlife safe.
Section 2: Individual Identification
Scientists identify dolphins by looking at the "trailing edge" of the dorsal fin. Describe what features you would look for to tell two dolphins apart.
Write your observations below:
Section 3: Threats and Solutions
Our river dolphins face many challenges. In the table below, identify a potential threat to the dolphins, explain why it is dangerous, and suggest a way we can help as "River Warriors."
| Potential Threat | Why it is Dangerous | Warrior Solution (How to help) |
|---|---|---|
| Example: Fishing Line | Dolphins can get tangled, causing injury or drowning. | Always use "Tangled" bins or take line home to dispose of safely. |
Section 4: Citizen Science in Action
Scenario: You are walking along the riverbank and spot a dolphin that appears to be swimming very slowly in a circle, and you notice a piece of plastic wrapped around its pectoral fin.
What are the three most important steps you should take?
Hint: Think about who to call and whether you should get in the water (Spoiler: Don't!)
Section 5: The Deep Dive (Challenge Question)
Why are dolphins considered an "indicator species" for the health of the Swan and Canning Rivers? In other words, if the dolphins are doing well, what does that tell us about the rest of the river ecosystem (the fish, the water, and the plants)?
Answer Key
Section 1: The River Warrior’s Toolkit
- D, 2. C, 3. A, 4. E, 5. B
Section 2: Individual Identification Answers may include: Notches or chips in the fin, the overall shape (falcate vs. triangular), scars or pigmentation marks, and the height/width of the fin.
Section 3: Threats and Solutions (Suggested Answers)
- Boat Strikes: Can cause deep cuts or death. / Solution: Follow speed limits and keep a 30m distance.
- Noise Pollution: Disturbs dolphin communication and hunting. / Solution: Use quiet electric motors or avoid revving engines near pods.
- Toxic Runoff (Fertilizers): Causes algae blooms that kill fish (dolphin food). / Solution: Use phosphorus-free fertilizers in gardens.
- Plastic Litter: Dolphins might swallow it or get stuck. / Solution: Pick up litter and participate in river clean-up days.
Section 4: Citizen Science in Action
- Keep a safe distance and do not try to touch or rescue the dolphin yourself (it's dangerous for you and stressful for them).
- Call the Wildcare Helpline or use the RiverWatch/Dolphin Watch reporting tools immediately.
- Take photos or video from a distance to show the experts exactly what the entanglement looks like and note your exact location.
Section 5: The Deep Dive Dolphins are apex predators. If they are healthy, it means there is a large enough fish population to feed them, which means the water quality is good enough for fish to thrive and the seagrass/habitat is healthy. If dolphins leave or get sick, it usually signals a problem lower down the food chain.