A 20-year-old penguin, which was banded as a chick, is said to have provided invaluable information to the Department of Environment and Conservation in Western Australia.

The penguin was an important member of its colony, which has acted as an ideal sentinel of healthy coastal marine environment around Penguin Island; indicating fish stock and temperature shifts.

Penguin colonies have been found to face increased danger and disturbance from watercrafts, coastal development, pollution and fishing.