Net Gain for Endangered Dolphins
By Wendy Heller, July 3, 2008 @ 02:00 AM (EST)
Source: Panda.org
The rarest marine dolphin in the world – down to 111 individuals following decades of entanglement in fishing nets – is to receive protection over more of its range from the New Zealand government following several years of sustained WWF campaigning.
The critically-endangered Maui’s dolphins, living only along the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, could be functionally extinct within just 25 years largely as a result of a losing battle with fishing nets.
Unable to detect the fine mesh, dolphins can quickly become entangled and drown. Now Maui’s numbers are so low they could be functionally extinct, unless they are given total protection.
Comments
Be the first to add a comment to this article.
You must be logged in to comment.
Related Content
September 16, 2011, 7:00AM
New study finds dramatic drop off in turtle deaths in U.S. fisheries more
March 1, 2011, 9:00AM
Environmental organization offers prize for creative solution to bycatch more
May 3, 2009, 1:00AM
Information provided to WWF-Canada said that European Union boats were responsible for the largest proportion of the overrun in more
September 8, 2008, 2:00AM
Lifeguards add an extra duty in also watching out for Maui's dolphins in New Zealand. more
August 27, 2008, 2:00AM
Recent studies suggest that fishing with circular hooks significantly reduces turtle bycatch and still ensures productive fishing more
Sponsors
Dive Industry News
What's New
