Splash into Science

Ecosystems Practical Activity

Through this activity, we will explore the distribution of Burrunan dolphins across their habitat.

Using our understanding of the Burrunan dolphin, along with knowledge of our ecosystem, we will determine what interactions influence the distribution of Burrunan dolphins in their habitat.

Our materials for this practical activity are:

  • Burrunan dolphin sighting coordinates. There are four sets of map coordinates (Summer, Autumn, Winter Spring).

  • 4x Map of Port Phillip Bay

Download Coordinates
Download Maps

Instructions for practical activity

Our aim is to investigate the distribution of Burrunan dolphins across Port Phillip Bay, determine if their distribution is varied across each season of the year, and discover what factors may influence dolphin distribution.

  • Looking at the coordinates document, you will recognise there are four different sets of coordinates corresponding to the four seasons of the year. (Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring).

  • Looking at the map document, you will recognise there are four different maps corresponding to the four seasons of the year. (Summer, Autumn, Winter, and Spring).

  • Using the coordinates document, plot the coordinates for each season onto each map.

  • Once you have completed each map, compare and contrast the distribution of dolphins across each season. Are they the same, or different?

  • Using your maps, answer the questions below.

  • REMEMBER: Some questions provide you with additional maps and information. Make sure you use the provided data to help answer your questions.

seagrass regions.png

Question 2
Figure 2. Seagrass areas in Port Phillip Bay

snapper distribution.png

Question 3
Figure 3a. Snapper distribution in Port Phillip Bay.

Calamari distribution.png

Question 3
Figure 3b. Southern calamari distribution in Port Phillip Bay

Marine national parks.png

Question 5.
Figure 5. Marine Protected Area (MPA) locations in Port Phillip Bay (identified in orange)