Over the past few months, the Gephyreus Project has monitored and helped shape key developments in the conservation of the Lahille’s bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops gephyreus). New scientific findings, international cooperation, and significant conservation decisions are helping to further advance the protection of one of South America’s most endangered dolphin populations.
A significant milestone was the adoption of a Concerted Action at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Bonn Convention (CMS), which took place in Brazil in March 2026. For the period from 2026 to 2029 , Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay will thus intensify their cooperation to protect the Lahille’s porpoise. In addition, the latest research findings from the Gephyreus project were presented at the meeting of the Scientific Committee of the International Whaling Commission (IWC).
A new study, published in the journal *Biological Conservation*, estimates the subpopulation of the Lahille's dolphin in southern Brazil and Uruguay at approximately 250 to 340 individuals. At the same time, the findings highlight the population's high vulnerability to habitat loss and bycatch and underscore the importance of long-term conservation measures.
In collaboration with international partners, the groundwork was also laid for a long-term health program. At the same time, research, photogrammetry, and photo-identification are being continuously developed within the tri-national network. Another milestone is the recognition of traditional cooperative fishing with dolphins as part of Brazil’s intangible cultural heritage —an important achievement for the protection of this unique human-dolphin relationship.
You can download the full Gephyreus Project newsletter, which includes all the latest updates and additional information, as a PDF below.
[ENG] #4 Newsletter – Gephyreus Project (PDF)