In October 1990, ten dolphins were found stranded in Lake Goegrup.
Two of them had already died and the rest were freeze branded with numbers 01 to 08 and released under the new bridge.
Since then, many others have stranded in the shallows of the Peel-Harvey, but the last one to get a freeze brand was number 23.
Many of them have likely since passed away, but we still see 01, 14, 22 and her calf 21 regularly in the Peel-Harvey waterways.
Apart from the freeze brands, there are several other signs that we can look for as indication that an individual has spent time stranded.
Their dorsal fin may be flopped over on one side and they usually have very distinct white scarring on their back that was exposed to the sun for a prolonged period of time.
If you ever see a dolphin stranded, please contact Department of Parks and Wildlife on 9474 9055.
The MDRP is a partnership between Murdoch University, City of Mandurah and Mandurah Cruises that commenced in January 2016.
They are measuring how many dolphins use the Peel-Harvey waterways and how they are connected to dolphins in nearby coastal waters.
You can follow the MDRP on Facebook or through this fortnightly column.
