Whaling commission voices grave concern over Maui’s dolphin future

Scientists from the International Whaling Commission have voiced their “grave concern” for the endangered Maui’s dolphin, a sub-species of the New Zealand dolphin.

Estimates for the number of remaing dolphins range from 43 to 69 with one researcher, Dr. Liz Slooten, predicting there could be just a few individuals left within a couple of decades. The Commission, which recently met in San Diego, has recommended that the protected area for the dolphins should be expanded and set net fishing and trawling both banned within the dolphin’s habitat.

The Commission also has continuing concerns over the future of the vaquita, a porpoise found only in Mexico. There may be as few as 100 left and it is hoped a recently-introduced ban on gill nets will be strengthened and enforced as part of efforts to save the species.