1. Bycatch: Dolphins often become entangled in fishing nets unintentionally, resulting in a phenomenon known as bycatch. Incidental capture in nets is a severe issue faced by many dolphin species worldwide. Dolphins may become trapped in fishing gear while chasing fish or out of curiosity, leading to physical injuries and potential death.
2. Drowning: Entanglement in fishing nets can lead to drowning, especially in long gillnets or fishing traps. Dolphins rely on surfacing for air, and when caught in nets, they may be unable to reach the surface, resulting in suffocation and death.
3. Physical Injuries: Being caught in nets can cause severe physical injuries to dolphins. Struggling to break free can result in lacerations, cuts, and abrasions on their skin, fins, and flukes. These injuries may compromise swimming ability, increase susceptibility to infections, and impact overall survival chances.
4. Stress and Trauma: Entanglement and the struggle to escape nets can cause immense stress and trauma to dolphins. The physical discomfort and inability to move freely can affect their mental well-being and overall health, potentially leading to long-term behavioral or physiological consequences.
5. Population Impacts: Bycatch and entanglement in fishing nets can have severe consequences for dolphin populations. The loss of individual dolphins, particularly those of reproductive age, can significantly affect population growth rates and overall stability. If bycatch rates exceed the natural reproductive capacity of dolphin species, it can lead to population decline and vulnerability to extinction.
6. Disrupted Feeding Patterns: Entanglement in nets can disrupt dolphins' natural feeding patterns. Injured or weakened individuals may have difficulty pursuing prey or competing with other predators, leading to reduced energy intake and decreased fitness.
7. Secondary Predation: Trapped dolphins may become vulnerable to secondary predation. Sharks and other predators may be attracted to dolphins caught in nets, increasing the risk of attacks and predation events.
8. Impact on Ecosystem Roles: Dolphins play crucial ecological roles in marine ecosystems. Their selective predation can help maintain balance and diversity among fish populations. Bycatch and entanglement can reduce their ability to perform these roles, leading to potential disruptions in the ecosystem's food web and overall functioning.
Minimizing the impact of fishing nets on dolphins requires responsible fishing practices, including the use of dolphin-safe fishing gear, effective monitoring of fishing activities, and the implementation of regulations that prioritize the protection of marine life.