A year-long study is to check how a revitalisation of Port Adelaide is affecting the dolphins in the upper Port River.
The South Australian Government is keen to spruce up ageing parts of Port Adelaide to boost the population and local economy.
Conservationist Dr Mike Bossley says the researchers are keen to work out how many dolphins swim into the river's upper reaches and more about their behaviour.
"The underlying objective of this is to get a baseline of how many dolphins use the area now so we can determine whether there's been any impact of the increased usage of the area," he said.
Researchers think there are about 50 dolphins in the wider area but that fewer than 10 venture up the river.
"[We want to determine] if there's lots more boats in the water, lots more fishing in the area, if there's lots more litter getting into the water and other forms of pollution, if there's a lot of noise from rock concerts and things could potentially have an impact on the dolphins," Dr Bossley said.
Andrew Crust of Renewal SA says there is no plan to ban activities, but it is hoped people will get a better understanding that the dolphins are an important local asset and tourist drawcard.
"[We plan on] using that information to educate people about what's appropriate behaviour and what's not around the river, it's not about bans or prohibition," he said.
Renewal SA is jointly funding the study with Port Adelaide-Enfield Council.