Saturday July 4, 2009, 1:32 pm
Rare humpback dolphins have been sighted at Ella Bay, which is currently under threat from development. Local resident Russell Constable made the spectacular sightings on Monday the 29th and Tuesday the 30th of June.

Russell explains “On Monday I made a visit to Ella Bay. Next thing, a dolphin leapt clear of the water. This was one of about 5 in the pod.”

“I spent every moment of the 34 minute sighting trying to count them! There was even a juvenile with the pod. It was so incredible.”

Marine Wildlife Australia President Blanche Danastas is amazed at the lucky sighting.

“These dolphins live right under our noses in the fragile coastal environment.”

“This species in particular feeds in just two to five metres of water and are almost always found within 15 kilometres of the coast. Yet we rarely see them.”

Russell’s sightings are significant. This pod of dolphins live, play and raise their young right at Ella Bay which is currently threatened by an unsustainable coastal development.

“The four resorts, 540 residences and 860 units would bring 5000 people to this fragile area and put untold pressure on these dolphins and endangered species such as southern Cassowaries and Australian Lacelid frogs.”

Russell Constable is working with Marine Wildlife Australia towards the protection of Ella Bay. “Ella Bay, is just so amazing.

"The presence of these rare dolphins is just another reason to protect this place from the incredible destruction that would occur if 5000 people were to permanently live there. I am calling on Minister Garrett to see this extraordinary place protected from unsustainable development so that future generations can enjoy it for years to come”.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Russell Constable (Independent) – 0447 674 250 or dontpushtheriver01@dodo.com.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Blanche Danastas (President of Marine Wildlife Australia) – 0439 896 697 or blanche@marinewildlife.org.au This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
High resolution images of dolphin sightings available upon request from Russell Constable.


(From Russell Constable, Ella Bay, Queensland, Australia)

Saturday July 4, 2009, 1:47 pm
Thank you foir the share Ramon
,yet we have so much to learn from the Oceans..more than they do from us!
Have a good sunday!

Saturday July 4, 2009, 2:44 pm
TY for sharing Ramon
I hope the Minister will take right decission to protect the area.

Sunday July 5, 2009, 11:11 am
Good news.But i agree with Joanna above
Hopefully they will get the best protection
Thanks,long time no see here ;)

Monday July 6, 2009, 2:41 am
Thanxx. lets hope these new developments will not chase these lovely creatures of the bay...

Monday July 6, 2009, 11:25 am
Thanks for sharing. I have never seen that kind of dolphin before. It would be nice if there were many more.

Friday July 17, 2009, 9:58 am
i hope they will be really protected
i'm a big fan of dolphins