Dolphins Endangered
The threats and dangers to dolphins survival
An increasingly endangered Species!
Although wild dolphins face many natural dangers within the deep expanse of the ocean, the most overwhelming threat to their existence is man.
Although dolphins are considered an endangered species, alarming statistics suggest that more and more dolphins are being killed by illegal
dynamite fishing, being caught in fishing nets, collisions with boats and or propellers, marine pollution, disease and grounding due to sonar
interference than ever before. Research suggests that over 95% of dolphin deaths are directly attributable to man-made causes.
Currently the most dangerous man-made threats to dolphins include:
Captivity
The capture and subsequent holding of dolphins in research and aquarium facilities is contributing to their deaths at an alarming rate.
Researchers suggest that the capture process in and of itself is resulting in extremely high deaths among dolphins. Transportation of the
dolphins, as well as subsequent exposure to disease in captivity, are also serious threats to dolphins taken from their natural environment.
Pollution
An increasing threat to dolphins in the wild is contamination of their natural environment from oil, chemical and heavy metal pollution. This
threat manifests itself in illness and high infant mortality rates. Since the dolphin is at the top of the food chain, the possiblity of
contamination is much higher. Dolphins eat fish and plants that may have been contaminated, increasing the risk to themselves threefold. Noise
pollution is also a danger to dolphins in the wild. Drilling for oil, navy sonar and even ship engines create large walls of underwater noise
that can frighten or even injure the dolphins. This type of pollution is forcing the dolphins to move away from feeding and breeding areas.
Traumatic Injuries: Another cause of death for the dolphin is entanglement in cages, shark safety nets and fishing nets as well collisions with
ships and rotor blades. As we explore farther and farther into the ocean and their “territory”, we're bringing the dangers to them. Despite being
an endangered species, dolphins are still the target of hunting for sport and are often shot either to reduce their presence in fishing areas or
even for bait. The increased popularity of the swim with the dolphin programs puts more and more dolphins in danger as their feeding and breeding
grounds are being overrun with tourists.
In addition to the threats man has introduced into their environment, wild dolphins are also at the mercy of nature. Dolphins, although at the
top of the food chain, still have to contend with sharks and even whales as predators. Changing climates, as well as loss of food sources, impact
the survival rates of dolphins in the wild as well. While there are several laws that have been passed to protect the dolphins, it seems that
their enforcement is erratic to say the least. Dolphins are disappearing at an alarming rate.
If we want to preserve these animals, the time to get involved is now. The following website, is an excellent resource for information on laws
and bills that are currently being considered to save and protect this endangered species. It's important that we know the facts and do what we
can to not only return these animals to the wild where they belong, but to make sure they're safe once they get there. There are also many
organizations focused on preserving this species.
If you'd like to get involved, visit the links below.
http://www.savedolphins.org
http://www.bluevoice.org/dolphin/save.html
| 
