Endangered Population of Bottlenose Dolphins
Threat to the dolphins living in the coastal waters of the Balearic Islands
A study led by Joan Gonzalvo from the University of Barcelona has revealed the risks of increased tourism, fishing and shipping on the population of bottlenose dolphins living in the waters around the Balearic Islands
The study has, for the first time, revealed that the numbers of bottlenose dolphins now visiting the area during the spring and summer months are critically low and as such are now endangered. The decrease has been attributed to the collision risk between vessels and dolphins and the discomfort caused by increased maritime traffic noise which also affects their behaviour.
"Concrete steps are needed in conservation, apart from the existing ones, to ensure that this fragile population is preserved," says the study by the Institute of Biodiversity Research at the University of Barcelona.
With the continuing increase in tourism, fishing and shipping between the mainland and the Balearic Islands, the welfare of these bottlenose dolphins is a major concern.
