WDCS in the South East Pacific and South West Atlantic

The coastal and riverine nature of this region represents another area of fisheries bycatch and habitat loss. In addition pollution, boat strikes, habitat loss and directed hunts are all issues of concern in this large region.

Many dolphin populations have been have been heavily affected by the tuna purse seine industry. Dolphins are also by-caught and in some cases locally targeted by dolphin fishers some countries.

WDCS's historical contribution to this region has included conservation projects to protect:

• Commerson's dolphin off Argentina;
• Franciscana dolphin, Brazil;
• Orca off Patagonia, Argentina and Brazil;
• Peale's dolphin off Argentina;
• Southern right whale off Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay;
• Tucuxi dolphin in the Cananeia estuary, Brazil;
• Amazon River dolphin, or boto in the Colombian Amazon and Orinoco rivers; and Ecuador;
• Blue whale, Chile;
• Bottlenose dolphin, Peru;
• Burmeister's porpoise, and Chilean dolphin, Chile;
• Humpback whale, Ecuador; and
• Sperm whale, Galapagos.

Issues WDCS is currently working on in this region:

WDCS Species Programme