Whales and dolphins in South Asia and the Indian Ocean face a wide range of threats. Habitat loss is especially critical for dolphins with a limited range, such as the riverine and coastal dolphins. Pollution is known to be high in parts of the region and coastal and riverine artisanal and commercial fisheries bycatch is also a significant issue. Research indicates that there is a consistent rise of water temperature, which is likely to be related to climate change. Erosion and flooding along the some coastlines is also expected to increase.
WDCS is working towards a CMS regional agreement to protect whales and dolphin in Southern Asia.
WDCS's historical contribution to this region has included conservation projects to protect:
WDCS Australasia
WDCS Species Programme
WDCS CMS Programme
Help us save whales and dolphins
Cetaceans In The Indian Ocean
Cetaceans in the IOS are exposed to a range of
threats, including by-catch and the effects of
climate change. Whilst no quantification can be
made of these threats at this time, they may still
be significant for the conservation of
populations.
2008-March-27
Conservation And Research Projects
Our conservation and research projects focus on not only key species, but also threatened populations - geographically, or genetically distinct groups of animals, which if driven to extinction could not be replaced.
2008-February-20