Endangered Dolphins
Facts About Endangered Dolphins
Some may be surprised to learn that endangered dolphins do not include every type of dolphin. For example, the popular bottlenosed dolphin, while protected in U.S. waters, is not on the endangered list. In order to be placed on the list, there must be an imminent threat that the creature will become extinct if action is not taken.
Because some dolphins are still so plentiful in numbers, they are not considered endangered even if they are protected.
There are currently six species of dolphins on the endangered list and more than twenty additional species are on the endangered waiting list. Sadly, one of these species, the Baiji, is already considered extinct in the wild.
The reason that the twenty plus species on the waiting list are not considered endangered at this time is because there has not yet been enough opportunity to conduct an accurate count of the number of creatures that survive. Once such counts are taken, it is likely that the number of endangered dolphins will increase.
Knowing that a type of dolphin is endangered is not enough. People must also learn the reason that the dolphins are endangered so that they can do something to try and change it.
One of the main reasons that many types of dolphins are nearing extinction is overfishing. Some types of dolphins are caught just so that they can be used as bait for catching crabs. While this would not seem so terrible if the creatures were not endangered, the thought of wiping out an entire species to make catching crabs a bit easier seems irresponsible.
Another danger to these creatures is that they get caught in nets. If fishermen would alter some of their methods and practices, this danger could be eliminated. Because dolphins can only hold their breath underwater for several minutes, many drown after being caught in nets and becoming unable to surface.
Pollution dumped into the ocean by humans is another major danger to the dolphins. They cannot survive in waters that are toxic.
Because man created the problems that have endangered dolphins, it is also up to man to find solutions. Unfortunately, there will always be people who will continue to fish for a certain species, even knowing that they are nearing extinction. Tougher laws, and enforcement of those laws, are needed.
Pollution to the ocean is inexcusable. Yes, it places the dolphins in danger, but it also places humans in danger. Each creature is a link on a delicate chain. When one part of that chain is broken, it places the rest of the links in danger.
Even people who do not care about saving endangered dolphins from becoming extinct should learn about the impact that losing such creatures has on the rest of the living creatures in the world, including humans.
The changes needed to help save the creatures would not have a negative impact on the everyday lives of humans. Taking the proper steps to save endangered dolphins is the right thing to do. It is up to each person to let the powers that be know that this issue is important to you, and that you will not sit quietly by while they do nothing.