Whales and dolphins in South Asia and the Indian Ocean are subject to a wide range of threats. Habitat loss is especially critical for cetaceans 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's historical contribution to this region has included conservation projects to protect:
Help us save whales and dolphins
Whaling Ban Stays In Place!
After two days of closed-door discussions by delegates at the International Whaling Commission (IWC) meeting, the moratorium (ban) still stands but Japan, Iceland and Norway may continue to whale outside of the sanction of the IWC.
2010-June-24
Whaling Conference Starts Amidst Scandal, Corruption And Secrecy
WDCS Press Statement: The now secret meeting is discussing the highly controversial proposal to resume commercial whaling behind closed doors.
2010-June-21
WDCSs Niki Entrup On The BBC Radio 4 Today Programme
Niki Entrup explains why the deal is not good for whales on the BBC Radio 4 Today show.
2010-June-21
USA And New Zealand Pushing To Reward Whaling Outlaws
Today, Mon. 21st June, heralds the start of one of the most significant and potentially controversial weeks that conservationists may see for some time to come, when the International Whaling Commission (IWC) votes on the fate of the 24 year whaling ban.
2010-June-21
Special WDCS Radio Show On The Whaling ‘deal’ Direct From Agadir
In this WDCS Radio show we interview WDCS’s Nicolas Entrup, direct from the Agadir meeting about what politics are in play and how our elected officials are representing all of us.
2010-June-20
Marine Experts Bring A Petition To The IWC
Over 200 marine scientists and other experts, many of them highly distinguished and from over 40 countries around the world, have sent a petition to the International Whaling Commission urging that the ban on commercial whaling remains in place
2010-June-17
Reinventing The Whale
A new report by WDCS released today reveals the real reason behind the whaling nations desire to lift the whaling moratorium – they have long-term plans to develop new commercial applications for whale oil including in pharmaceuticals and animal feed.
2010-June-15
WDCS Radio Explains The Whaling Deal
WDCS’ own Sue Fisher and Niki Entrup explain what the Governments will be negotiating at the whaling meeting; reminding us that these same Governments are elected by, and must represent, you and me.
2010-June-12
No More Myths: Graphs Reveal The Truth About Commercial Whaling
WDCS, AWI and HSI have launched an animated online-tool that shows the total number of whales killed since 1946, the enormous success of the international ban on commercial whaling and continued whaling activities by Iceland, Norway and Japan.
2010-June-10
Call The Policy Paramedics, Isn’t This A Question Of Rights?
At a conference held in Helsinki, Finland this weekend, WDCS will be working with the well know philosopher and co-founder of the Great Ape Project, Paola Cavalieri, discussing if whales, dolphins and porpoises should have rights
2010-May-21
International Field Projects - Indian Ocean
Conservation and research projects in the Indian Ocean.
2009-April-07
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