Dolphin centre seeks cash to keep research program afloat

The Dolphin Discovery Centre has been dealt a heavy blow as it prepares to survive through winter — the toughest period of the year for organisation.

The centre’s research boat is out of action after a broken engine has grounded the much-needed vessel.

The centre has started a crowd-funding project in a bid to raise $15,000 to replace the engine.

The centre does not receive any funding for the boat, which has been a vital part of a 10-year research program into the dolphin population in Bunbury.

Centre manager David Kerr said the centre could potentially be dealt a “double whammy” if it is unable to cover the cost of a new engine.

“It has the elements of a perfect storm,” he said.

“Winter is always very difficult for us – we struggle to survive as it is.

“There was that three week gap during the Yarloop fires, which brought our visitation numbers right down too.”

Mr Kerr said the planned major redevelopment of the centre would also provide some business interruptions.

“There could be some confusion about all the money that just got announced, but that’s specifically to cover costs of building not operations.”