A group of over 350 scientists and conservationists have signed an open letter raising their gravest concerns about the extinction risk to many species and populations of Cetaceans (Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises). Each of the signatories is a Cetacean specialist and each one of them believes this issue is now critical. The lack of concrete action to address threats adversely affecting Cetaceans in our increasingly busy, polluted, over-exploited and Human-dominated seas and major river systems, means that many, one after another, will likely be declared extinct within our lifetimes.
Even the large whales are not safe. The recent listing of the North Atlantic Right Whale, Eubalaena glacialis, by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as Critically Endangered reveals the serious failure of its relatively wealthy range countries to address a critical decline. Moreover, the factors driving this ongoing decline are well known, and, we believe, could be addressed. Only a few hundred North Atlantic right whale adults remain and, unless appropriate action comes soon, we will undoubtedly lose this entire species.
Similarly, the Critically Endangered Vaquita Porpoise, Phocoena sinus, of the Gulf of California, Mexico, sits poised on the knife-edge of extinction, with an estimated population size that may be as low as only ten individuals.
It is now almost inevitable that these two species will follow the Baiji or Chinese River Dolphin, Lipotes vexillifer, down the road to extinction. The Baiji was identified as Possibly Extinct by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in 2017 and, regrettably, there is little hope for this species. The signatories to the letter believe, in all three cases, that enough was known about the situation of the species concerned for these dramatic declines to have been avoided, but that the political will to take action has been lacking.
The bleak outlook for these three species shows how often too little is done too late. Of the 90 living species of cetaceans, more than half now have a concerning conservation status according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, with 13 species listed as Critically Endangered or Endangered, 7 as Vulnerable and 7 as Near Threatened, whilst 24 species are Data Deficient. These Data Deficient species may also be imperilled. We simply do not know. This lack of clear information about so many species and populations is itself a major concern.
Additionally, there are 32 subspecies and other distinct cetacean populations which are presently either Endangered or Critically Endangered, and with ongoing research we are recognizing more populations of Cetaceans that are discrete and require conservation action. Regrettably, as the cases of the Lahille’s Bottlenose Dolphin, Tursiops truncatus gephyreus, of the subtropical western South Atlantic, the Gulf of Corinth Common Dolphin, Delphinus delphis, and the Orcas, Orcinus orca, of the Strait of Gibraltar all illustrate, recognition of their distinctiveness may coincide with the realisation that their population is already in danger of extinction.
Cetacean populations are adversely affected by many interacting factors, including chemical and noise pollution, loss of habitat and prey, climate change and ship-strikes. For many, foremost among these threats is incidental take in fishing operations.
Bearing these urgent matters in mind and with the knowledge that cetacean populations can be lost very quickly, the signatories call on countries with Cetaceans in their waters to take precautionary action to ensure these species and populations are adequately protected from human activities, including implementing appropriate and fully resourced monitoring. They note that improved monitoring technologies now offer new opportunities to observe and address activities at sea; and all nations to both work with and strengthen the relevant international bodies that seek to address threats to Cetaceans, including, but not limited to, the International Whaling Commission and the Convention for the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals, both of which are generating important conservation initiatives at this time. Foremost among other relevant international organisations are the regional fisheries bodies, which can address fishing-related threats to Cetaceans, noting the urgent need to address such impacts on many populations.
Finally, the signatories note that Cetacean conservation, like much that relates to the marine environment, may be a concern that seems remote to many people. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic has shown, our connection to nature is a key component in our own wellbeing. Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises are seen and enjoyed all over the world, and are valued as sentient, intelligent, social and inspiring species; we should not deny future generations the opportunity to experience them. They are also sentinels of the health of our seas, oceans and, in some cases, major river systems and the role of Cetaceans in maintaining productive aquatic ecosystems, which are key for our survival as well as theirs, is also becoming clearer.
The signatories ask that anyone reading the letter bring this statement to the attention of the relevant policy makers in theit country and help them to help the Cetaceans.
See also...
