‘The greatest heartbreak of this very cruel summer’ as another Mandurah dolphin found dead in estuaryAva BerrymanMandurah TimesWed, 4 March 2026 12:46PMEmail Ava Berryman
One of Mandurah’s fledgling baby dolphins is believed to have died in the estuary waterway, with local wildlife warriors blaming “careless” human error for the loss.
Describing the sad find as “the greatest heartbreak of this very cruel summer”, Estuary Guardians Mandurah reported that the calf known as Ocean was found trapped in fishing line wrapped “so tightly” around its mouth that death was inevitable.
“The line was a death sentence,” the spokesperson said.
“Suckling from mum was barely keeping Ocean alive, but we knew not for long. Ocean never grew larger than a newborn.
“It is shockingly sad and unbearable to write, but it may continue to happen if we aren’t all more aware and careful about marine debris in our waterways. And all try harder.”
Volunteers spent several days attempting to track mum and calf, reporting updated locations, sending new photos, advising current condition to Perth-based authorities, and requesting and assisting in rescue attempts.
Marine rangers from Perth assisted and on their final attempt were joined by vets from Perth Zoo as surgical intervention was likely to be needed if Ocean was caught.
“The hurdles were too big. There were far too many obstacles,” the spokesperson said.
“(There were) too few resources and options available for something so urgent and difficult. The dolphins also didn’t understand we were all trying to help.
“The line won. It stole Ocean’s life before it truly began.”
The spokesperson said they never found Ocean again but have found her mother, named Sea, swimming alone.
“Ocean lost years of joy, freedom, of everything a young life deserves, all because of a piece of careless garbage,” they said.
“This isn’t nature. This is human-caused. Every discarded line is a silent killer. And it’s still happening to our wildlife, who only ask for clean waters and a chance to live.
“Ocean’s story isn’t only heartbreak. It’s also a call.”
It marks the fifth estuary dolphin death in the past five months due to strandings or entanglement.
“Our waterways are their home. They shouldn’t be a death trap,” the spokesperson said.
“Next time you’re near the water, think of Ocean. Next time you are fishing, think of how Ocean must have suffered. Please pick up any line you see and correctly dispose of it, and importantly, help educate others.
“Think of all the Ocean’s we can save if everyone chooses to care. Please don’t let Ocean’s very short life be in vain.”
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