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Fishermen have been attacking and killing freshwater dolphins in Brazil’s Amazon River Basin, seriously threatening conservation efforts of two species.  Having just seen the documentary The Cove, the disturbing images of viciously slaughtered dolphins is burned into my brain, and I really hope steps can be taken to end these unnecessary killings as well.  Apparently the fishermen are concerned that the dolphins are stealing their fish and damaging their gear, and have taken to stabbing them with machetes and harpoons.

There are also powerful cultural taboos in the region that suggest the animals bring bad luck, which may be part of the fishermen’s motivation.  Researchers from the Mamirauá Institute for Sustainable Development in Tefe, Brazil, recovered 18 dead dolphins, 6 of the boto species and 12 belonging to the tucuxi species, during a recent survey of mortality rates.  Somewhat encouragingly they reported that none of the dolphins body parts were missing, which would indicate that they were being harvested for charms or bait, as is sometimes the case in Brazil and Columbia.  While this may mean that not as many dolphins will be killed, the deaths still pose a serious threat to the two species.  The researchers say that one key to preventing the dolphin slaughters is to establish environmental education programs for local children to help dispel negative attitudes about dolphins, and teach the importance of protecting the species.