Dolphin detectives wanted! Help scientists from your couch (or the coast)

Cutting-edge conservation doesn’t always happen in laboratories. In Richards Bay, it’s happening right at the seaside, powered by a team of passionate scientists and supported by a live webcam focused on the Indian Ocean.

This stretch of KwaZulu-Natal coastline is home to one of South Africa’s most elusive marine mammals: the endangered humpback dolphin. Rare, shy, and instantly recognisable by its telltale hump, this dolphin is so unknown that many people don’t realise it exists at all!

Why These Dolphins Need Our Help

Humpback dolphins face a serious threat along the KZN coast. Shark nets, designed to protect swimmers, pose a major risk, particularly around Richards Bay. Dolphins can become entangled and drown, making bycatch one of the biggest challenges to the species’ survival.

To tackle this, researchers are studying how humpback dolphins use the area around the shark nets. The goal is simple but vital: gather enough behavioural data to help develop safer, more sustainable beach protection solutions.

Become a Citizen Scientist

With the help of a camera supplied by the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board, researchers have set up a live webcam overlooking the ocean, which you can view HERE. Anyone can watch the footage at any time of day and contribute to the study.

Spotting dolphins usually means seeing a fin briefly break the surface as the animal comes up to breathe. Occasionally, you might get lucky and see a leap or splash.

If you see a dolphin, all you need to do is note the date and time or take a screenshot showing both, then send it via the Contact Page or email iknowthatdolphin@gmail.com. You can also connect via Facebook. 

Even if the dolphin is not clear, the timing is what matters most.

Don’t Just Watch. Visit!

While the live stream is fascinating, the impressive wildlife of northern KwaZulu-Natal is best experienced in real life! The Dolphin Viewing Platform at the end of the North Breakwater is one of the best places in South Africa to see humpback dolphins from land.

Other nearby attractions for wildlife spotting include: 

• iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (and many more game reserves!)
• Dlinza Forest Nature Reserve in eShowe
• Umlalazi, a coastal reserve in Mtunzini 

To find out more about Humpback Dolphin Research, visit www.dolphins.org.za. 

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