Bycatch with fishing nets is the main threat to these marine mammals
Hundreds of scientists and environmental activists from 40 countries signed an open letter calling for global action for the protection of endangered whales, porpoises and dolphins.
According to experts, these marine mammals are on the razor's edge and, in the absence of concrete action, they will be declared extinct within a few years.
Although the hunting ban for these species has now extended to most countries, whales, dolphins and porpoises unfortunately have to contend with several others threats.
Among these, the greatest is to be caught accidentally: around 300 whales, dolphins and porpoises die horribly every year, entangled in fishing nets.
This pregnant whale died trapped in an abandoned ghost fishing net in the ocean
Many of the fish that end up on our tables have probably resulted in the accidental capture of protected species.
In addition to accidental catches plastic pollution, climate change, habitat loss, food shortages and collisions with ships.
Like arsenic, mercury and other man-made toxic substances are poisoning dolphins and whales
The situation is dramatic: of some species only a few dozen specimens remain.
Experts, worried about the future of these mammals, have signed a document signed by over 350 scientists and environmentalists to ask governments to act now to stop its decline and prevent its extinction.
"It is imperative that governments develop, fund and implement further actions needed to protect and save these iconic species," said Dr Susan Lieberman of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The letter is part of a growing movement of scientists and conservationists committed to raising awareness of the threats faced by whales, dolphins and porpoises and to making pressure on politics to act to protect these species.
Sources of reference: Mammal Research Institute / BBC
Read also:
- Sad record for Norway: hunters killed more whales this year than in the last 3 years
- Whales are worth as much as 4 Amazons: they absorb 40% of the CO2 produced worldwide
- This dead whale had 40 kg of plastic bags in its stomach
