Dolphin Conservation

Dolphin Conservation Efforts

Many species of dolphins have been hunted throughout history for their meat, bones, and blubber. Even though, commercial whaling was banned in 1986, many poachers still hunt dolphins. Dolphins are also threatened by fishing nets, pollution, and other situations and conditions that can be controlled by humans. In the United States, it is legal to shoot dolphins that are interfering with a fisherman's catch, and permits are often issued that allow dolphins to be killed for research. Volunteers work hard to conserve the dolphin population, often turning out in droves to help stranded and beached dolphins return to the open sea, and their pods. They also work on the land, raising public awareness about the plight of all species of dolphins, and lobbying in Washington D.C for more protection and funding.

Dolphin conservationist also work to stop the capture and exploitation of dolphins for entertainment purposes and profit, such as that as Sea World and other marine parks. They work to study the dolphins as well, to better understand them, which promotes better understanding and fulfillment of the protection needs of all species of dolphins.

Dolphin conservation also involves educating the public about these highly sociable creatures. Conservationists feel that when the public is better educated, more will be done, by each individual, to protect the dolphins. Issues such as the suffering of captive dolphins, deliberate killing of dolphins for commercial and scientific purposes, man-made threats, possible extinction, protection, and health are covered.

While adults are educated about the plight of the dolphins, conservationists frequently target their education endeavors towards young children and teenagers, since this group represents our future, and must be depended on to ensure the future of every species of living creatures on the face of the earth.

Conservationists also aid in the rehabilitation of dolphins that have been held in captivity, greatly increasing the chances of successful releases back into the wilds. This includes both dolphins that were captured for entertainment purposes, as well as dolphins that were rescued due to health problems.

Dolphin conservationists also heavily promote whale and dolphin watching, often arranging seasonal tours. They feel that this will help deter the public from contributing to organizations that hold dolphins captive, and that seeing these intelligent creatures in their own habitat is much more rewarding and educational.

Currently, The Blue Whale, Bowhead Whale, Finback Whale, Humpback Whale, Right Whale, Sei Whale, and Sperm Whale are all on the endangered species list. Dolphin Conservationists fear that if changes are not made quickly, many species of dolphins could become extinct within the next few decades.