So far, humans have not caused the extinction of any cetacean species, but that could change. Many fresh-water species like the baiji (the Yangtze River dolphin) are unlikely to last for another 10 years. Recent census efforts for banjii have turned up fewer than 30 animals in the past few years. Other severely endangered species include the vaquita (the Gulf of California porpoise), the northern hemisphere right whales, the blue whale, Hector’s dolphin, and the Ganges/Indus River dolphins. IUCN’s ongoing Red List program provides details.
Despite this discouraging news, all is not lost yet. The CGS report notes: “Several populations of southern right whales, humpbacks in many areas, grey whales in the eastern North Pacific, and blue whales in both the eastern North Pacific and central North Atlantic have begun to show signs of recovery.” A CGS plan includes recommendations for action such as modifications to fishing methods that would benefit the baiji, vaquita, and Hector’s dolphin.
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