River Dolphin Bycatch Reduction in Inland Fisheries

The challenge of reducing river dolphin bycatch in subsistence and commercial inland fisheries across Asia and South America.

Key Facts

Bycatch in gillnets and longlines is a leading cause of mortality for Ganges, Irrawaddy, and Amazon river dolphins.
Subsistence fishers often lack resources or alternatives to gear types most dangerous to dolphins.
Acoustic pingers that warn dolphins away from nets have shown effectiveness in marine settings but need river adaptation.
Seasonal fishing restrictions in dolphin breeding areas reduce peak mortality periods.
Community-based conservation programs that provide economic alternatives to fishers reduce conflict-based killing.
River dolphin bycatch is underreported due to limited observer coverage in inland waterways.

Welfare Considerations

Bycatch mortality in river dolphins causes drowning, a prolonged and painful death for air-breathing mammals. Beyond individual welfare, each mortality has significant population consequences given the small size and slow reproduction of river dolphin populations. Effective bycatch reduction requires working collaboratively with fishing communities rather than imposing restrictions without alternatives. Gear modifications, seasonal closures, and spatial management that minimizes overlap between dolphins and intensive fishing can reduce mortality while maintaining fishing livelihoods. Community-based conservation that gives fishers a stake in dolphin population recovery through tourism or certification premiums creates positive incentives for coexistence.

What You Can Do

Support organizations working with fishing communities on river dolphin bycatch reduction.
Donate to gear modification programs for subsistence fishers in river dolphin habitat.
Advocate for international funding for river dolphin conservation as a biodiversity crisis.
Learn about the welfare and conservation status of river dolphin species to support effective advocacy.