In 1982, researchers Richard Connor and Rachel Smolker came to Monkey Mia because of a few hand-fed bottlenose dolphins
that frequented the shores, called the beach dolphins. Their research interests quickly expanded to include hundreds
of Shark Bay dolphins. Since this visit, scientists have come from prestigious institutions in
Australia, North America and Europe. The dolphins have been extensively studied by this international team of scientists
since 1984.
The beach dolphins provide a window to dolphin society. For example, Holeyfin, well known to the many
visitors of Monkey Mia, was also important to researchers. She provided the dramatic stage for one of the earliest and
most remarkable discoveries. Click here to read about Holeyfins' story.
Researchers have completed thousands of hours of systematic data collection and many more in
the lab. Hundreds of dolphins are surveyed and catalogued each year. Their behaviour, ecology, genetics, development,
communication, social structure, predators and prey are all being researched at Monkey Mia making this one of the most
important dolphin research sites world-wide. This is accomplished without tagging or capturing the dolphins.
Research has helped protect the dolphins of Monkey Mia by providing basic information and demonstrating the effects of
provisioning on wild animals. This research has had a considerable impact on local and international management policies
pertaining to dolphin-focused tourism.
Because dolphins live a long time, at least until their late 30s, even simple facts such as the number of calves born to a
female in her lifetime, require decades of study. We look forward to future research and discoveries.