Tim’s PhD research investigated the population demographics, habitat use and social structure of Australian humpback dolphins (Sousa sahulensis) around the North West Cape, in the northern section of the Ningaloo Marine Park, Western Australia. His research provided a comprehensive assessment of the abundance, apparent survival, temporary emigration, site fidelity , residence patterns; habitat use; and social structure of this threatened species in coastal waters of Exmouth Gulf and Ningaloo Reef. Results indicated the North West Cape represents an important habitat for this population, with approx. one humpback dolphin per km2, a large proportion of the individuals exhibiting high levels of site fidelity and using the study area regularly, areas of high occurrence throughout northern section of the study area, and a fission-fusion society, characterised by non-random dyadic relationships and assortative interactions both within and between sex classes. The methods presented provide a methodological framework for future impact assessments, and the results provide a strong platform for conservation of Australian humpback dolphins. Tim is currently a Marine Program Coordinator (Karratha) at the Western Australia Parks & Wildlife Service, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation & Attractions.

Cecilia’s PhD research investigated the population demography and spatial ecology of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis) inhabiting Coffin Bay, an inverse estuary in South Australia. She used systematic boat-based surveys, photo-identification, biopsy sampling, and capture-recapture and species distribution modelling to estimate sex-specific demographic parameters, site fidelity, ranging patterns and investigate the spatio-temporal distribution of the population in relation to a variety of ecogeographical and anthropogenic variables.

Her study revealed a large population of bottlenose dolphins in Coffin Bay, with high rates of apparent survival, low temporary emigration rates, high site fidelity, restricted movements to relatively small areas, and high probability of dolphin presence in the shallower waters of the inner area of the bay. Results from her PhD highlighted the high conservation value of Coffin Bay for southern Australian bottlenose dolphins and provided essential information to establish well-informed management strategies of the species in future zoning arrangements of the Thorny Passage Marine Park where Coffin Bay is located. Cecilia is currently back in Uruguay where she works for the state’ government in the Dirección Nacional de Recursos Acuáticos, Ministerio de Ganaderia, Agricultura y Pesca.

Fernando’s PhD research used boat bases surveys, photo-identification, biopsy sampling, genetics, and generalized affiliation indices to investigate the social structure and sex-specific patterns of affiliation, genetic relatedness and kinship relationships of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis). He found that dolphins inhabiting Coffin Bay are structured into two well defined communities that differed in ranging and affiliation patterns and demonstrated that genetic relatedness and kinship relationships appears to influence the social structure of this population. Male preferred affiliations were found to be correlated with matrilineal kinship, and females strength of affiliations were correlated with reproductive condition, as well as their genetic relatedness.

His study provided important information suggesting that ecological as well as intrinsic factors such as demography, sex ratio, sexual size dimorphism and the availability of relatives within communities may influence the patterns of affiliations, genetic relatedness and kinship observed in bottlenose dolphin populations.

Nikki’s PhD research investigated the ecology and social structure of southern Australian bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops cf. australis) in metropolitan Adelaide, obtaining information on their abundance, residency, habitat usage and socio-genetic structure. Her research revealed a relatively high number of dolphins found throughout the Adelaide metropolitan coast, with individuals displaying varying levels of site fidelity and residency and favouring shallow nearshore areas and temperate reefs in summer, shallow nearshore areas in autumn and deep waters further offshore in winter.

Furthermore, she identified two social communities that showed little spatial overlap and were associated with different habitats. Her study identified priority areas for dolphin conservation and contributed towards the understanding of the factors shaping the seasonal variation in dolphin distribution and their social groups. Nikki currently works as a Conservation Officer for the South Australian Department of Environment Water and Natural Resources.