Marine researchers and wildlife photographers have recorded a rare and exciting encounter with two deep-water dolphin species off the coast of Port Macquarie, on Australia’s mid-north coast of New South Wales.
The sighting occurred in late January during a pelagic wildlife excursion that travelled far beyond the continental shelf into waters exceeding 1,000 metres in depth — an area rarely visited by recreational vessels.
Risso’s Dolphins Seen in Unusual Coastal Encounter
During the offshore trip, wildlife photographer Jodie Lowe observed a pod of Risso’s dolphins, a species typically found in deep ocean environments and seldom seen close to land.
Risso’s dolphins (Grampus griseus) are easily recognised by their rounded heads and heavily scarred grey bodies. These scars accumulate over time due to social interactions within pods rather than conflicts with other species.
For Lowe, the encounter marked her first recorded sighting of Risso’s dolphins, highlighting how uncommon such observations are along the New South Wales coastline.
Pantropical Spotted Dolphins Join the Pod
Later in the day, the group encountered a second pod of Risso’s dolphins accompanied by pantropical spotted dolphins, another species rarely documented in Australian coastal waters.
Pantropical spotted dolphins are smaller and more streamlined than Risso’s dolphins, typically growing to around 2.6 metres in length. Their distinctive spotting becomes more visible as they age, making adult individuals easier to identify.
Another photographer on the trip, Laura Chaffey, also captured images of the dolphins, confirming the presence of at least two separate pods during the excursion.
Scientists Welcome Valuable Deep-Water Data
Marine scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta from Macquarie University said sightings like this are extremely valuable for researchers, as little is known about the distribution and behaviour of deep-water dolphin species.
She explained that photographs and verified reports shared by the public help scientists build a clearer understanding of marine mammal movements, especially for species that spend most of their lives far offshore.
According to Dr Pirotta, Risso’s dolphins are highly social animals that can gather in pods ranging from a few individuals to several hundred, and their scarred appearance is a normal characteristic rather than a sign of injury or aggression.
Importance of Pelagic Wildlife Observations
Encounters such as this highlight the ecological richness of Australia’s offshore waters and the importance of pelagic wildlife tours in contributing to marine science.
As climate patterns, ocean temperatures, and prey distribution continue to shift, scientists expect changes in where and how often deep-water species are observed — making each documented sighting increasingly significant.
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