Fight to save rare dolphins

An Irrawaddy dolphin.

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Migaloo off the East Coast 2009

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COFFS Harbour's senior marine mammal expert and Pet Porpoise Pool founder Hec Goodall is heading to Cambodia next month to help in the attempt to save that country's Irrawaddy dolphins from extinction.

Mr Goodall's former colleague at the Pet Porpoise Pool, Troy Saville, has been working with the Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia and is keen to gain the benefit of his mentor's experience as he mounts a last-ditch fight to save the freshwater dolphins.

Hec Goodall is one of the few men alive with experience in wild capture of marine mammals.

Mr Goodall collected the Irrawaddy dolphin species north of Cairns in 1969 for the Vic Oakes Aquarium.

At the time he was managing the Jack Evans Aquarium, also in Cairns.

“The World Wildlife Fund officials are pleased with the plans proposed by Troy and Verna for breeding attempts with the endangered Irrawaddy dolphins and with him pressing me to come over to advise on the capture and artificial insemination of the cetaceans, I have agreed to join him,” Mr Goodall said.

The marine expert, oceanarium developer, artist and cartoonist will leave Coffs Harbour at the end of August, soon after his 82nd birthday While he heads to the northern hemisphere, Mr Goodall is also receiving recognition in the south.

The Phillip Island Historical Society is planning to hold a display in the island's Folk Museum concerning Hec Goodall's participation in the island life.

Both Hec Goodall and his brothers were deeply involved in community events on the island in their younger days.

Hec Goodall was involved in cartooning Island events such as football, cricket, swimming and other sporting activities.

They also want to chronicle his other achievements, such as the establishment of the Pet Porpoise Pool, in which some Phillip Island identities are shareholders.