Sea Shepherd Embarks on Long-Term Conservation Effort to Protect the Dolphins of the Amazon River

[Judi Lynn]

JUNE 7, 2021

BY COUNTERPUNCH NEWS SERVICE



Image by Flavio Gasperini.

Manaus, Brazil

Sea Shepherd is launching a new conservation research campaign in Brazil to protect the dolphins of the Amazon River. The scientific expedition, known as Boto Da Amazônia, was announced by Sea Shepherd’s founder, Captain Paul Watson, during a virtual event on June 5.

Sea Shepherd is partnering with scientists from the National Institute for Research in the Amazon, renowned for their expertise in the study of the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis) and Tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis). The collaboration, which begins in October 2021, will contribute to the scientific body of research about these species and allow for greater environmental protections to be put in place. Both species are currently listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List.

Studies show that the populations of both species are declining by approximately 50% every 9-10 years. Human activity is the primary threat to the survival of both river dolphins. Accidental entanglement in fishing nets, intentional hunting for pest control, and dam construction are all contributing factors to the loss of these animals. Most recently, poachers are capturing river dolphins to use as bait in the illegal fishing of piracatinga, a local species of scavenger fish protected by a fishing moratorium that is scheduled to be lifted in July 2021.

Boto Da Amazônia is the first long-term study to be carried out at multiple points along the Amazon river and will allow scientists to assess the true conservation status of the species. This three-year population study will consist of two expeditions per year, with observations taken at four points along the Amazon River. In total, the six expeditions will cover 3,000 km over 100 days of observation.

More:
https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/06/07/sea-shepherd-embarks-on-long-term-conservation-effort-to-protect-the-dolphins-of-the-amazon-river/

[FreepFryer]

1. That old barge is a lot better off in the Amazon than more rough Antarctic waters. Good idea.

[Judi Lynn]

2. They are really needed there. The fishermen's abuse of dolphins has been going on much longer

than the writer seems to recognize.

What makes it so unbearably evil is that they take the dolphins out of the water, hang them up somewhere, then leave them there, without killing them while they cut only as much of their flesh away as needed, allowing them to suffer, to live as long as possible, apparently to keep the animals from dying, with the decomposition of their bodies initiated.

So sorry to have to mention it, as it has driven me around the bend for all they years since I heard it. I couldn't really rest with the impression left by the author that this behavior is a recent development in Brazil.

If Sea Shepherd moves into the area, one has to hope they will try to move mountains to bring attention to this brutal, soulless activity and get it abolished in a country where some businesses still engage in slavery, abusing the helpless native people who have NO representation, no cavalry coming on the way to help them, either.

Hoping Sea Shepherd's numbers and strength will only multiply over time, and they can bring more rescue and healing where it has been missing so long.

(Really admire your screen name!)

[JudyM]

3. Any DUers feeling the importance of this can read more and donate to Sea Shepherd here

https://seashepherd.org/

Their heroism in risking their lives to save marine mammals is remarkable and invaluable.

[samnsara]

4. i saw the Sea Shepherd once when I was in Amsterdam many looong years ago...

..they do such great work.