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Sonny Phillis says he knows how important the welfare of the Whyalla marina dolphins is.
That’s why Mr Phillis said his Dolphin Treasure Hire operation had suspended its kayak-hire service this weekend to ensure the continued recovery of an injured dolphin in the marina.
A female dolphin, pictured, was reported to City of Whyalla on Tuesday with a large gash behind its head from an unknown source. The dolphin, which is still feeding a calf, has been subsequently assessed by various experts and the injury is not deemed to be life-threatening with all predicting a good chance for a full recovery.
Dolphin Treasure Hire is authorised by council to operate as mobile vendor next to the marina. Mr Phillis said he has also been working closely with the relevant government departments regarding his operation.
Dolphin Treasure Hire is a business that hires kayaks out for people to paddle out into the marina and open water where they may experience dolphins coming up to them.
Sonny says he is proud to be one of the front-line caretakers of the marina dolphins through his kayak hire and regular presence in the waters around the facility.
“This dolphin needs plenty of space and peace to recover from this injury,” Mr Phillis said.
"With the dolphin currently being assessed daily by the appropriate resources, until further diagnosis we will not be operating so the injured dolphin has no disruptions or distractions while it recovers from the injury.
“At all times we instruct those that hire our kayaks to observe all the necessary rules regarding dolphins such as no feeding or touching and to not paddle when the dolphins are in the vicinity.
“Obviously the welfare of the dolphins is very high on our list and we like to think we can play a role in the continued wellbeing of these wonderful animals and we do everything we can to spread the safety message to ensure their health.”
The City of Whyalla, in conjunction with the Department of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, already has signs at the marina outlining the rules and regulations regarding dolphins.
Council is presently working on a fresh plan for the management of the dolphins in the marina. The relevant government, environmental and marine mammal authorities and stakeholders will be consulted to formulate a management plan that ensures the safety and wellbeing of the wild dolphins.
Council reminds everyone that it is illegal to feed or touch the dolphins and there are protocols for boat owners when dolphins are in the vicinity. Boaties are reminded of the 4-knot speed limit in the marina.