Dolphin Feature - The Bottlenose Dolphin

The Bottlenose dolphin has four enemies, two natural and two artificial, which are responsible for thousands of unnatural deaths of Bottlenose dolphins each year. The natural enemies of the Bottlenose dolphins are Killer Whales (Orcas) and Sharks. The Killer Whales and Sharks are responsible for only eight percent of all unnatural Bottlenose dolphin deaths. Usually it is only the young, very old, or the weak Bottlenose dolphins that will fall prey to these predators. Occasionally, an adult will be the victim.

The artificial enemies of the Bottlenose dolphins are "Bycatch" and environmental threats.

Bycatch is the name given to various sea animals or creatures that are caught and killed in nets meant to catch fish. Dolphins unfortunately fall victim to Bycatch much too often. While attempting to catch the same fish that the fishermen hope to trap in their nets, the Bottlenose dolphin will chase these fish into the nets and become trapped themselves. There are new nets that have "dolphin hatches" which allow the dolphins to release themselves if ever caught in the net. However, these nets are expensive so not all fishermen are using them due to cost.

Environmental threats include things such as habitat loss from development, toxins, water pollution, and depletion of food supply. Each of these factors will not only add to the demise of the Bottlenose dolphin, but also to other forms of life, such as humans.

There are many organizations that have dedicated themselves to protection of dolphins. With advanced research and development, these organizations will be able to assist fishermen, industry and businesses to work with the environment to protect the dolphins we know and love, as well as other animals, land or sea.

If interested in more information on dolphin protection, visit http://www.greenpeace.com where valuable information, as well as other links, may be found.

What do you think the aquatic marine adventure parks would be like if there were not any dolphins? It could happen...

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