Huge new population of Irrawaddy dolphins discovered in Bangladesh – Other dolphins get extra protection

December 2008. Several species of dolphin and one porpoise species have been awarded greater protection through the Convention of Migratory Species (CMS) at its 9th meeting of Parties in Rome.

More information below

Irrawaddy dolphin. Copyright Pete Davidson.

2 dolphins and 1 porpoise moved to appendix 2
The Mediterranean population of Risso's dolphin and West African population of Clymene dolphin along with the North West African population of harbour porpoise have been listed on Appendix II of the Convention, which means that countries commit to cooperating to increase the conservation of the listed species.

Mark Simmonds, International Director of Science for WDCS said, "This first step is a great success for the dolphin and porpoise species. We have worked very long and hard to make sure these endangered populations receive proper protection from all the threats they face including all sources of marine pollution, bycatch, ship strikes and climate change."

"Scientists working with WDCS through the Cetacean Liaison Group developed the formal proposals that countries have considered at this meeting. The process takes a long time, and WDCS is gratified to have a positive outcome for the animals" he said, "but now we need to hear that they will benefit from these listings by hearing commitment from the countries involved to develop agreements that will mean tangible protection for the animals from all the threats the face."

Long term conservation
When species are listed on the appendices CMS requires countries where these animals live (called Range States) to commit to long term conservation measures to protect them. This is most commonly done by developing multi-country agreements.

While WDCS is celebrating the important step of listing the animals, we are concerned that countries will not take the next step in developing the agreement to put that protection into action for the Irrawaddy dolphin.

The Black Sea bottlenose dolphin and the Mediterranean population of Risso's dolphin are already covered by the CMS agreement called ACCOBAMS, and WDCS will work closely with that agreement to help them redouble their efforts to protect these animals. Similarly, the Atlantic humpback dolphin and West African population of Clymene dolphin along with the North West African population of harbour porpoise are covered by the newest CMS agreement for Western African Aquatic Mammals, and WDCS will also work hard to ensure that these species benefit from protection as well.

Huge new population of Irrawaddy dolphins discovered in Bangladesh
Irrawaddy dolphins do not have any protection agreement across any part of their range in the Indian Ocean or in South East Asia. Current population figures for the Irrawaddy dolphin are unknown, although experts believe that some of the critically endangered sub-populations might number less than 100 individuals, and in the Philippines there may be just 45 dolphins left. Accurate estimates for the numbers of marine species of the Irrawaddy dolphin are also lacking although recently a previously un-studied population in Bangladesh was discovered to have as many as 5,800 individuals.

WDCS already supports conservation and education projects with many of the most highly threatened populations of Irrawaddy dolphins in the world. Currently, we are funding projects in India and Indonesia.

"All this work will amount to nothing if countries don't take the next important step and commit to reducing the threats that these animals face and by protecting the habitat they need to survive. We hope that they will not turn from this responsibly this week, and that they will agree to start the negotiations of these important agreements in South East Asia and the Indian Ocean. The Irrawaddy dolphin needs their commitment." said Mark Simmonds.