Dangers Loom for Amazon Dolphins: Fishing, Dams, and Dredging Threaten their Existence

A recent study has revealed that Amazon river dolphins are facing multiple threats, including fishing activities and proposed new dams and dredging. In order to gather data, scientists conducted satellite-tagging on eight dolphins in the Peruvian Amazon to track their movements in relation to fishing areas and planned dam and dredging sites.

The study found that an average of 89% of the dolphins’ home range was being utilized for fishing. The dolphins were found to be located at an average distance of 252km from the nearest proposed dam site, and 125km from the nearest proposed dredging site.

While these distances may seem significant, it is important to note that the dolphins’ ranges spanned over 50km on average, and therefore, dams and dredging activities can have a substantial impact on large stretches of their habitats.

Furthermore, it is important to consider that many Amazon river dolphins, which are already classified as an endangered species, reside even closer to the proposed sites than the dolphins in this study.

The research was a collaborative effort between the University of Exeter and Peruvian conservation organization Pro Delphinus. The findings, published in the journal Oryx, provide valuable insights for the conservation of these dolphins.

Dr. Elizabeth Campbell from the Center for Ecology and Conservation at Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, remarked on the increasing threats faced by the Amazon river dolphins: “Fishing can deplete the dolphins’ prey populations, and they are also at risk from intentional killing and accidental catching. However, there is currently limited data on the actual number of dolphins caught as bycatch.”

In addition to fishing, the construction of dams, primarily in Brazil, poses a significant threat. There are currently 175 dams in operation or under construction in the Amazon basin, with plans for an additional 428 dams over the next three decades. Furthermore, the Amazon Waterway, which involves dredging activities across four main rivers, has been approved and is awaiting construction.

The researchers emphasize that the Peruvian government has an opportunity to protect the biodiversity of the region. Dr. Campbell stated, “Peru has the chance to preserve its free-flowing rivers, ensuring a safe and healthy environment for river dolphins and numerous other species. Given that many of these dam and dredging projects are still in the planning stage, it is crucial for the government to consider the negative effects already observed in other river species.”

Dr. Campbell also suggested expanding river dolphin tracking programs to encompass multiple seasons, track more females, and increase monitoring in other areas to improve understanding of their movement patterns.

The Amazon River dolphin, found in the Amazon and Orinoco River basins, is currently categorized as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.

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