Dolphins as Endangered Species

Environmental concerns have cited much over the thousands of species in the world right now that are in the verge of extinction.  Although how small the population of a certain specie and how minute its role in the ecosystem, still its presence is considered as an important factor in the equilibrium of Mother Nature. It is in this idea that all species should be preserved and well protected.        

One of the pressing concerns right now raised particularly by environmentalists worldwide is the endangerment of the dolphins. Just like other animals that are considered nowadays as already endangered, the dolphin population might soon disappear from the vast world of the ocean if the concern of its soon-to-be-extinction will not be addressed immediately and strongly.  The presence of environmental laws, both domestic and international, are not enough to answer this problem.  It has been observed that such laws have become merely a decoration and not as an implementing tool to further foster environmental protection and preservation.  In some parts of the world, laws protecting marine species (such as dolphins) are not well implemented and that continuous illegal marine activities are still very rampant in the open seas which threaten not only the marine life but the entire ecosystem wherein human species is placed at a pivotal role.

According to many environmental specialists, the dolphins are endangered mainly because of the human careless and irresponsible doings. 

First, dolphins are adversely affected (just like with other sea creatures) by the pollution that put havoc to marine life. Water pollution caused by irresponsible dumping of garbage on seawaters as well as oil spillage has caused the lives of many dolphins.  Waste materials are toxics that are not worth consuming by any living thing, and an in-take of which can seriously endanger the life of the one that consumes it.  Meanwhile, oil spillage is the worst form of pollution in the seawaters.  As a matter of fact, it is an SOP to cordon the areas in case an oil spill happens at seas.  This is to prevent the further spreading out of oil in the seawaters.  However, most oil spills in the waters are not mere accidents but a careless human activity where oil from tank vessels is thrown out to the waters.  Knowing these things, it should be taken into the mind that the sea surface is also the playground of dolphins – if it has oil or any pollutant, it will surely endanger the dolphins.

Illegal fishing of dolphins has also become one of the causes why dolphins are endangered nowadays. Dolphin meats are expensive just like the tuna meat.  Dolphin meats are used mostly for fine dining cuisine wherein it is served at a very luxurious price.  There should be laws that restrict bars and restaurant, which serve dolphin meats.  Meanwhile, dolphins which are caught in fishing are mostly not within the agenda of the commercial fishers.  The target of these fishermen is really big fishes such as tuna; however, if dolphins emerge in the surface and got caught by the fishing gears, most likely these dolphins will not be released anymore but got butchered and sold to markets, just like ordinary fishes.

Another factor that threatens the dolphin population is the pressing concern right now on climate change.  Dolphins are one of those marine animals that got adversely affected with global warming. The unpredictable change in climate has negative impacts on the health of dolphins as well as on its way of living. Its reproduction, for one, is negatively affected as the climate plays a factor in the mating of dolphins.

With all these abovementioned details about endangered dolphins, it is time to be more proactive in the approach for the implementation of environmental laws.  It should always be remembered that any negative impact on the ecosystem and its equilibrium can, one way or another, also directly affect the humans, and the generations to come.