The Irrawaddy River Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) in Coastal Waters of the Northern Territory, Australia: Distribution, Abundance and Seasonal Changes

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Standard aerial survey techniques were used to survey 55,962 km2 of coastal water adjacent to the Northern Territory, Australia. Relatively few Irrawaddy River Dolphins were observed in waters off the north-west coast. Substantial populations were located in the western Gulf of Carpentaria providing a total estimate of approximately 1,000 Irrawaddy River Dolphins on the surface. The major concentration was located in Blue Mud Bay. Although there were significant seasonal changes in distribution, Irrawaddy River Dolphins appeared to avoid waters less than 2.5, and greater than 18 m deep. The large Blue Mud Bay population is located adjacent to a major shrimp breeding area and is the largest population known.