Westport has partnered with the Western Australian Marine Science Institution (WAMSI) to deliver the $13.5 million WAMSI-Westport Marine Science Program. This 3-year program is developing the latest data, information and modelling on the complex environmental systems and community values associated with Cockburn Sound.
Project 8.1: Determining the diet, causes of mortality, foraging habitat, and home range of Little Penguins in Cockburn Sound
Research theme: Apex Predators and Iconic Species
Researchers: B. Cannell, A. Lawrie, S. McNeill, Chaplin
Investigating the habitat use of Little Penguins in Cockburn Sound, with a focus on their diet, foraging behaviour and home range.
In recent years, rising temperatures have placed Little Penguins in Cockburn Sound under increasing environmental stress, leading to their classification as a high conservation priority.
To better understand Little Penguins habitat use in Cockburn Sound – including their dietary patterns and foraging strategies - a three-year research program was undertaken.
Working in conjunction with related Westport-WAMSI Marine Science projects, and with the support of volunteers, this report provided new insights into the behaviours of Little Penguins in Cockburn Sound.
What the study found
- Little Penguin faecal samples were collected from June 2020 to July 2023 from chicks and adults. A total of 107 faecal samples were analysed.
- Anchovy (Engraulis australis), Pilchard (Sardinops sagax) and Sandy sprat (Hyperlophus vittatus) were the most common species Little Penguins were eating, found in more than 50% of the feacal samples. Sardine and Garfish were found in around 20% of the samples.
- The Little Penguins feed on a wider range of prey when not breeding.
- To assess mortality, a total of 865 beach surveys were conducted from February 2022 to January 2024. No Little Penguins were found dead during the surveys, but one Little Penguin was found deceased on Garden Island in August 2022, having died of unknown causes.
- During incubation, Little Penguins exhibited foraging trips ranging from 1 to 9 days, whereas while guarding chicks their movements were limited to single day trips.
- Little Penguins had limited overlap with the proposed location of the new container port, and only during the incubation stage when they used the eastern, central and western margin of Cockburn Sound.
How Westport will use the report
Westport will use this research to inform its environmental management program, including mitigating impacts to Little Penguins in Cockburn Sound during and after the development of the port.
