Ganges River Dolphin population falls below 300, faces new threat from oil exploration

Home

Since 2000, Sea Shepherd has maintained a strong, positive presence in the Galapagos Islands. From patroling the Marine Reserve stopping illegal fishing activities, to busting shark finners, to educating the local youth, Sea Shepherd carries out its mission of promoting ocean conservation using a wide range of methods and actions.The Galapagos is our line in the sand. If humanity cannot protect such a unique and diverse ecosystem, we will not be able to protect any ecosystem. The Galapagos is a challenge and battlefield for the effort to halt human greed and destruction. These Enchanted Isles are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and this means all of us have a responsibility to help protect them from illegal exploitation.

http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/2227-campaign-for-sharks.html

http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/2205-sobrepesca-muerte-de-los-oceanos.html

http://www.oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/2350-the-end-of-the-line-world-without-fish.html

http://oceansentry.org/lang-en/menu-articles/1509-secret-dolphin-slaughter.html

/lang-en/menu-articles/menu-featured-content/1858.html

Ganges River Dolphin population falls below 300, faces new threat from oil exploration

Monday, 20 July 2009 07:54

< Prev		Next >

Once abundant in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in India and Bangladesh, the population of the Ganges River Dolphins has fallen sharply over the past century due to accidental bycatch by fishermen, direct killing for their meat and oil, and diversion of water for agriculture. Scientists estimate that only 2,000 remain, of which 240-300 survive in the Brahmaputra, according to a new survey by IUCN researchers, who warn the Brahmaputra population is also imperiled by new threats, including dam building and prospecting for oil.

“Our research shows accidental killing through fisheries by-catch, followed by poaching for oil, are the major threats to the dolphins of the Brahmaputra river system,” says Project Leader Abdul Wakid. “Their habitat is also being degraded by human activities. Dam building and a proposed seismic survey in the Brahmaputra river are potential threats.”

Oil exploration, which would involve using explosives and airguns on the bed of the Brahmaputra River, has "potentially disastrous implications for Ganges River dolphins," according to the IUCN report, which warns that the loss of dolphins could have impact for local communities that rely on dolphin tourism. IUCN says that involving communities in conservation will be critical to saving dolphins in the Brahmaputra.

(From news.mongabay.com, India)