Nathan Stronach
THE BOSUN’S LOCKER AROUND THE GROUNDS
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TORM SURGE: on Monday, 25 June 2020, the Swan and Canning Rivers experienced a significant tidal surge. The surge measured 1.86m at the Barrack Street tide gauge and was the second highest reading from that gauge. The highest was recorded at 1.92m on 16 May 2003. SWAN-CANNING ESTUARY MUSSEL REEF PROJECT
In July 2019, The Nature Conservancy and partners began working on a three-year project aimed at helping support the ecosystem health of the Swan-Canning Estuary through building native mussel reefs. These important habitats help restore vital
above: the RIVER GUARDIANS significant Our iconic Swan Canning Rivstorm surge erpark is showing the same signs of 1.86m!
of environmental stress as other waterways around the world. What we do in our own backyard affects our rivers and therefore every Perth resident has an important role to play in helping to protect them. The Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions manages a program that engages the community on matters relating to the Swan and Canning Rivers. River Guardians volunteers can take part in skilled volunteering projects, receive training in a number of projects ranging from foreshore restoration sites to being the eyes on our rivers and becoming a Dolphin Watcher. I recommend to anyone who uses our beautiful river to subscribe to the River Guardian E-newsletter to keep informed on a number of topics, such as:
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ecosystem functions such as water filtration and fish production and provide an overall boost for estuarine biodiversity. With less than 10% of our natural shellfish reef ecosystems remaining in Australia, this project is part of The Nature Conservancy’s National Reef Building Program to restore and protect 60 shellfish reefs across southern Australia, bringing them back from the brink of extinction for the benefit of people and nature.
While Moon and her new calf were happily swimming around, Moon’s previous calf, Djinda (6-yrs old) was showing off her aerial prowess with some spectacular jumps out of the water.
The current estimate of the sub-population of Riverpark dolphins (based on six surveys in 2020) is 21 individuals including: 13 adult/sub adults; three juveniles and five calves. DOLPHIN WATCH TRAINING EVENT
The next Dolphin Watch training event is scheduled to be held in late spring. Details of the upcoming event are as follows: When: Wednesday, 28 October, 6.00 – 8.00pm (registration and supper from 6:00 and formalities commencing at 6.30pm) Where: Scitech, City West Centre, Sutherland St, West Perth Register: www.riverguardians.com DOLPHIN VIRUS UPDATE
ALL THINGS DOLPHINS...
Great news! Introducing the newest resident dolphin after Moon was spotted with a new calf during a survey on 19 July (see photo above).
While the human race is in the midst of a global pandemic as we struggle to deal with the COVID-19 virus, our very own resident dolphins had their own battle with a deadly virus last year. continued on page 47
www.rfbyc.asn.au
