Bycatch is the greatest threat to many dolphin species and populations worldwide. The La Plata dolphin, or Franciscana—Toninha—is a species for which bycatch has reached unsustainable levels in some regions. To address this problem, we are actively working alongside our partners to develop practical solutions.
A promising initial approach involves attaching empty (air-filled) PET bottles to fishing nets. These bottles produce a strong echo when dolphins use their echolocation and approach the net.
The preliminary results of this approach are encouraging, although further testing is needed to statistically confirm this positive trend. If successful, this simple and cost-effective solution to a serious problem could represent an important step toward reducing bycatch. Furthermore, this method could also be applied in other regions of the world where similar challenges exist in dealing with other dolphin species.
Our partner GEMARS in Brazil has recognized that the success of such projects is only possible through close collaboration with the fishing community. Raising awareness among the local population about the urgency and effectiveness of such measures is therefore a central part of their work.
