Target: Janet Coit, NMFS Administrator
Goal: Label the Atlantic humpback dolphin as an endangered species to ensure their survival.
You have likely never heard of the Atlantic humpback dolphin, and unfortunately, it’s for a horrible reason. This little-known dolphin is on the brink of extinction, with less than 3,000 left in the wild. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) is considering listing them as protected under the Endangered Species Act, but for now they are still in the midst of a status review, meaning they still don’t get any federal safeguards. We must apply pressure until these dolphins are officially protected.
It’s no secret among conservation groups that this species is struggling – the NMFS status review stems from a petition by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity, and VIVA Vaquita asking for help for the Atlantic humpback dolphin. In fact, these marine mammals are listed as critically endangered internationally, just not protected under the U.S ESA.
We need your help to get them there. A big part of conservation is achieving a higher profile, and name recognition for species in peril. Without public knowledge, it’s wildly difficult to get the financial, legal, and political assistance that conservation efforts need. Because global awareness of the Atlantic humpback dolphin’s fate has been lacking while human activity has been threatening them, their numbers have gotten incredibly low.
One of the largest issues affecting these dolphins is a phenomenon called “bycatch.” Fisheries use massive nets to catch the fish species they can sell, but often other species get trapped and killed, too; including the Atlantic humpback dolphin. Dying as bycatch is horrible – since they are mammals, these dolphins drown when they become tangled in nets and cannot surface to breathe. The netting can also cut into their flesh, causing wounds and infection.
In addition to the threat of bycatch, other human activities threaten the Atlantic humpback dolphin, which lives exclusively in shallow, coastal waters, at risk of human interaction. Coastal development depletes their habitat and noise pollution inhibits their ability to communicate, travel, and can cause injury and death.
The good news is that because these threats are all human-related, regulations and policies will make a major difference in the fight for these dolphins’ survival. But that’s only if we can get the right protections for these vulnerable creatures.
Please, sign the petition telling the NMFS to protect Atlantic humpback dolphins before it’s too late.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mrs. Coit,
The NMFS is currently reviewing the status of the Atlantic humpback dolphins under the Endangered Species Act based on petitions from the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity, and VIVA Vaquita. There are less than 3,000 of these animals left in the wild, due mainly to human influence.
This letter is to let you know that I support the petitions put forward by the aforementioned groups, and urge you to include these dolphins in the ESA. Because these creatures are being hurt by human influence, regulations and policy changes will make a major difference in their survival.
Please, follow through on these petitions and ensure the Atlantic humpback dolphins’ survival.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Mandy
Caleb Macduff is one of the best names I’ve ever heard! And thank you for this petition too.
WHAT THE HECK IS WRONG WITH HUMANITY, CRUELTY IS NOT ACCEPTABLE ON ANY LEVEL, EVER!!!!! POVERTY DOES NOT EVEN ALLOW IT…..NOW STOP THIS DISGUSTING PRACTICE AND NOW YOU FOOLISH IDIOTS!!
Free The Dolphins!!!!
All wildlife of any type MUST be protected from the greed and evil whims of man. Severe punishments must be served to those who knowingly inflict pain, suffering, death on totally innocent beings. IN MY OPINION
Yes!!!
We need to save all of the animals, fish, and other species that we can. Our society should be now have progressed enough to provide the common sense to do so without urging but it hasn’t. What a shame.
Yes I agree all animals need to be saved and allowed to live their lives without being tortured by humans.
Go vegan!
Offering prayers for the dolphins and all beings, that their lives may be protected, treasured and held with reverence, gratitude, gentleness and in peace.
Janet Coit, NMFS Administrator
THERE SHOULD BE LAWS IN PLACE TO PROSECUTE SENSELESS IRRESPONSIBLE FISHING SUCH AS ‘BYCATCH’
PLEASE PLEASE ACT ON THIS. ANYONE ENGAGING IN THESE IRRESPONSIBLE ACTIVITIES PILFERING OUR OCEANS ETC UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING SHOULD BE CHARGED AND FINED.
If there were laws to prevent senseless fishing what would omnivores eat?
Dolphins are Gods creation. It’s our responsibility to protect them and provide safe environments for them.
Do these people not realize that without the eco-stystem of our world and of animals in it provide for us humanity will not survive. Look around at how the earth is already dying.
I’m disgusted again by the greed and utter stupidity of humans, the worst species to exist ever. Greed, Greed, Greed and of course killing
DISGUSTING!!! FREE THESE DOLPHINS!!!!
Why is it that the same problems for ocean life and wildlife exist year after year without any laws to prevent the deaths of so many species. Nets have been a problem for how many years now? Deaths of so many that could have been avoided. In this case we are talking about the Atlantic humpback dolphin getting entangled ,as many other species do, and then suffer and drown. Human carelessness and recklessness are destroying the planet.
ALL DOLPHINS & ALL WILD ANIMALS NEED TO BEBPROTECTED FROM EXTINCTION ALWAYS!!!!! STOP USING NETS AND STOP KILLIMG DOLPHINS WHICH ARE GOD’S CREATURES!!!!
Ban this crap
All dolphins, whales, sharks, seals must be protected all over the world. Use be illegal to capture them and/or kill them
Poor dolphins,they need to be protected from cruel, insensitive humans!
Each Dolphin is precious.
Something is really wrong with the human race… specially our politicians…harder punishment
STOP throwing debris into our WATERS — Dolphins get caught up in Human garbage and slowly SUFFOCATE only to DIE tormenting deaths — STOP putting Atlantic Humpback Dolphins in danger’s way — we NEED to PROTECT them.
For God’s sake, do your fucking jobs! Protect these beautiful, intelligent creatures NOW!