Have you heard of the Atlantic humpback dolphin? This #DolphinAwarenessMonth, we’re working to raise awareness of this little-known species. These dolphins live exclusively in shallow waters off the coast of West Africa, feeding on mullet and other nearshore fish. They swim in small “pods” and prefer habitats heavily influenced by tidal patterns, such as estuaries, deltas, and mangrove systems. However, fewer than 3,000 remain. The main threats Atlantic humpback dolphins face are human related. Local fisheries deplete their main source of prey and use gillnets that can entangle dolphins. And more and more, this social species must “shout” to communicate over the marine noise that accompanies increasing coastal development. Last year, in a promising step forward for the species’ recovery, the National Marine Fisheries Service issued a final rule to list the Atlantic humpback dolphin as endangered under the Endangered Species Act (ESA), as requested in a petition filed by AWI and allies. While new ESA-based protections from the US government can help this imperiled species, it is important to continue to shine a light on Atlantic humpback dolphins and the ongoing threats they face. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/eSpnY44b 📷: Tilen Genov, Consortium for the Conservation of the Atlantic Humpback Dolphin
