The value of the annual Port Stephens dolphin census is less about knowing how many creatures are in the water but where they are seen.
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As the Marine Parks Association gears up for its 19th annual census on June 16, Lisa Skelton said it is the locations in which dolphins are spotted that would aid their research and conservation efforts.
"Through the sightings that we get from the census we can map where all the dolphins were seen at that particular time," Ms Skelton, MPA's education coordinator, said.
"Over the years we've developed statistics showing what areas of the port are most utilised by the dolphins so that we can identify critical habitats in the bay.
"There's been a lot of calls recently for a marine park review. Coming up to a potential review of the marine park, having data on which areas of the bay that are more used by the dolphins is going to be important for determining the value of sanctuary zones and the different areas in the bay to the dolphins."
Port Stephens is home to about 130 bottlenose dolphins.
However, many more dolphins visit the Port throughout the year.
In the five years since she has worked in Port Stephens, Ms Skelton said she has taken photos of 380 individual dolphins.
One of the most recognisable dolphins in Port Stephens is Nicky. Recognisable by the triangular notch on her fin, Nicky is believed to be aged about 45 years old.
"She's the oldest dolphin within the Port," Ms Skelton said. "Being the oldest dolphin she's also had the longest to time to procreate.
"She has the largest amount of females around her at any given time. She's very much like the grandmother of the Port."
MS Skelton's photos are used in MPA's dolphin population study, which is done throughout the year. The census maps the paths that the dolphins swim in the Port.
MPA is calling on volunteers to take part in this year's census. It will be held on Sunday, June 16 between 11am and noon.
Volunteers are placed about 1km apart along the shoreline, and some on the water, to document dolphin sightings.
Last year's event, held on July 29, saw 96 participants man 66 sites around Port Stephens for the hour-long census, with 103 dolphins sighted.
To take part in this year's dolphin census go to marineparksassociation.org.au and complete the registration form.
