Asian Cetaceans

Ganges River Dolphin Welfare and Pollution Impacts

Ganges river dolphins (susu) are the national aquatic animal of India and are endangered. Industrial pollution, noise from shipping, and entanglement in fishing nets threaten remaining populations in the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems.

Key Facts

Ganges river dolphins are classified as Endangered with an estimated population of 2,500-3,000
They are effectively blind, navigating by echolocation in turbid river water
Industrial and agricultural pollution reduces fish prey availability
Shipping noise interferes with echolocation-based navigation and communication
They are legally protected in India but enforcement is variable across the river system

Welfare Considerations

Ganges river dolphins that navigate in high-noise shipping corridors experience disrupted echolocation, potentially causing disorientation and difficulty locating prey. Chemical pollutants including heavy metals and pesticides accumulate in this apex predator. Entanglement in fishing gear causes drowning. Irrigation barrages that block migration routes trap dolphins in isolated river sections that may not support year-round food availability, causing gradual starvation.

What You Can Do

Support WWF India Ganges river dolphin monitoring and protection programs
Donate to Wildlife Institute of India freshwater cetacean research
Advocate for industrial pollution controls in the Ganges catchment
Support Namami Gange river cleaning program as cetacean habitat improvement
Raise awareness of the Ganges river dolphin as a flagship freshwater conservation species