Leave 'summer loving' dolphins alone

An increase in dolphins visiting Bunbury's waterways has prompted a warning for boat users to steer clear.

With the weather warming in the South West, environmentalists are warning boat users to take extra care.

Dolphin Discovery Centre marine biologist Phil Coulthard said while November and December were the more popular months, dolphin numbers had already increased.

"The numbers aren't dramatically bigger at the moment but there is always a concern with more boats out there right now," he said.

"At this time of year, they can also be hard to see because the water is not so calm."

Mr Coulthard warned people not to feed the dolphins - especially with bait.

"There are groups of dolphins out there with calves and people should also try and give them plenty of room," he said.

"Don't harass them by driving through them or getting right on top of them."

Mr Coulthard said the number of dolphins had increased in Bunbury's waterways but there were also the usual local dolphins. He said it was no surprise those numbers had increased in the past few weeks due to warmer weather.

"Obviously with the temperatures increasing, the days are increasing and that's a cue for dolphins to start thinking about their summer love," Mr Coulthard said.

"So the dolphins will start to listen to those environmental cues and start to group up in Koombana Bay.

"Those numbers really start to peak in about January as dolphins start grouping up and socialising."

Mr Coulthard said the best way to see the dolphins was through the Dolphin Discovery Centre's dolphin interaction zone beach.