Dolphins are one of the most intelligent and friendliest marine species. There are forty nine known species of dolphins and porpoises across the world. Unfortunately, several of these dolphin species are critically endangered or are severely threatened. Three specific species, known as Hector’s Dolphins, Chilean Dolphins, and the Australian Snubfin Dolphins are currently at risk of extinction. 

Hector’s Dolphins are considered the smallest and rarest species of dolphin that live in the ocean. These dolphins reside only in the warm and shallow coastal shores of New Zealand. They have distinct features when compared to other dolphin species, including black facial markings and a dorsal fin that is described as resembling a Mickey Mouse ear. According to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), the current population of Hector’s Dolphin is known to be about 7,000, with one of their subspecies, called Maui’s Dolphins, having a population of only 55 dolphins and it is dropping quickly. Aside from this species, the Chilean Dolphin, also called the Black Dolphin, is another species facing extinction. These dolphins are similar in size to Hector’s Dolphins, however, they are primarily grey in color with a white belly. As assumed by the name of this species, they primarily reside in the coastal waters near Chile or in other regions with high tidal ranges. Scientists estimate that the population size of the Chilean Dolphin species are now less than 5,000. The final species I will be discussing is the Australian Snubfin Dolphin, which is a larger species of dolphin in comparison to Hector’s Dolphins and the Chilean Dolphins. This species is absolutely adorable! They are a beautiful blue-grey color and always appear as if they are smiling. They are found around the coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea in shallow waters. Similarly to the other two species, the population size of these dolphins are rapidly decreasing and are already below 10,000. 

The primary reason for the endangerment and decreasing population size of these specific dolphin species is human negligence. Since each of these dolphins live close to the coastal shores, they are often victims of bycatch, which occurs when a marine species is tangled in nets from commercial or recreational fishermen. One type of netting, called gillnets, are especially dangerous to dolphins. These nets are made from a type of fine mesh which is undetectable to the eyes of dolphins, therefore, they often swim into these nets without realizing and get permanently caught. If the dolphins are caught in the nets for an extended period of time, they are unable to return to the surface for air and will eventually die. Alongside this issue, many of these dolphins are illegally hunted for human consumption and/or used as bait by fishermen in different countries across the world. These three species of dolphins are suffering greatly and it is upsetting to learn that we are the main cause of their population reduction and probable extinction. You can help by educating yourself about the severity of this population issue and by supporting organizations that are driven to help save marine species, such as WWF, which is currently working with wildlife officials in New Zealand to ban the use of gillnets.