Ubatuba, Brazil - From November 8-10, the Alliance for the Franciscana Dolphin Conservation Research, Rescue and Rehabilitation (AFCR3) hosted a groundbreaking workshop at Instituto Argonauta to advance conservation efforts for the Franciscana dolphin(Pontoporia blainvillei). Led by Dr. Jenny Meegan from the National Marine Mammal Foundation(NMMF), USA, and Dr. Aricia Benvenuto from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, 24 participants from various Brazilian institutions came together to address basic rehabilitation techniques and standardized necropsy protocols.
The workshop focused on two critical needs: the rehabilitation of stranded Franciscana dolphins, from neonates to adults, and the ability to perform standardized necropsies to identify threats and causes of death. The training was based on science-based protocols developed by the Alliance, a collaborative network of over 34 veterinarians, biologists, nutritionists and zoo technicians from Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, the USA, Spain and Germany.
Urgent need for action
The franciscana dolphin is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species due to widespread threats such as bycatch, habitat loss and pollution. In Brazil, however, the species is even more endangered and is listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the country's national Red List. The high number of live strandings underlines the urgent need for qualified rehabilitation measures, while necropsy data is essential to understand and combat the causes of mortality.
"Workshops like this are not just about saving individual animals, but about securing the future of a species," says Dr. Jenny Meegan. "From our perspective, this is an opportunity to combine global expertise with local realities. Collaborations like this allow us to share advanced veterinary techniques and rehabilitation protocols developed at an international level and ensure that this knowledge is available to those who need it most. The conservation of the franciscana dolphin is a global task and every effort, no matter who it comes from, contributes to the survival of this species. The NMMF has learned a lot from working with conservation teams in other countries and we are honored to support the incredible work being done here in Brazil.
Dr. Aricia Benvenuto emphasized the local perspective: "In Brazil, the Franciscana dolphin is an important part of our marine biodiversity and its endangered status is a call to action for all of us. This workshop is crucial as it provides local professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to respond effectively to strandings and conduct meaningful dissections. Strengthening Brazil's capacity to rescue and protect marine mammals is critical to the survival of this species. As someone who works directly with the marine ecosystems where these dolphins live, I see the urgent need for collaborative efforts like this. Together, we can ensure that conservation doesn't just remain a concept, but is put into action in the regions where it is most needed.
Why this workshop is important:
The Alliance's commitment to the conservation of the franciscana dolphin depends on a multi-faceted approach and this workshop is an example of their goals:
- Improving the success of rehabilitation: The training enables participants to provide stranded dolphins with professional care and thus increase their chances of survival.
- Sound conservation strategies: Standardized necropsies provide important data to combat anthropogenic threats, from fishing practices to environmental toxins.
- Global cooperation: The workshop underlines the Alliance's commitment to sharing knowledge across borders and promoting international cooperation to save species.
About Allianz
The AFCR3 was founded in 2019 and aims to help with live strandings, provide essential equipment and expertise and empower conservationists through training. Founding members YAQU PACHA and Nuremberg Zoo coordinate the activities of the alliance with other institutions and drive the mission to protect the franciscana. Many non-governmental organizations and universities from South America, such as Fundación Mundo Marino & Aquarium (Argentina), Karumbé & RENACE (Uruguay), Univ. of São Paulo, Biopesca, Univ. do Estado de Santa Catarina, Univ. Federal do Paraná, CRAM, R3, Aiuká, UNIVILLE, Inst. Gremar and Inst. Argonauta (all from Brazil), are active members of this alliance. In addition, organizations such as the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) and Dolphin Quest from the USA, as well as L'Oceanogràfic, the Nuremberg Zoo, YAQU PACHA and ZOOMARINE - Algarve from Europe provide crucial support for this initiative. This diverse coalition underscores the importance of global cooperation in securing the future of the franciscana dolphin.
Dr. Lorenzo von Fersen, Chairman of YAQU PACHA, emphasized the organization's long-standing commitment: "YAQU PACHA has been focusing on the protection of the franciscana dolphin for almost 26 years. One of our main objectives is to strengthen the capacity of local experts and institutions and ensure that they are equipped with the necessary tools and knowledge to protect this remarkable species. Collaboration and education are at the heart of our work, and this workshop is a testament to these values.
The success of the workshop was greatly assisted by Instituto Argonauta, whose team provided exceptional logistical and technical support. Their commitment to marine conservation and their practical experience in dealing with stranded marine mammals made them an invaluable partner in this event.
This workshop is a crucial step towards building a bridge between science and practice and securing the future of one of the world's most endangered dolphin species.
