- Poaching and hunting: Dolphins are hunted for their meat, oil, and skin, and some are also killed as bycatch in fishing operations.
- Pollution: Dolphins can ingest or become entangled in plastic waste and other pollutants, which can cause health problems or death.
- Climate change: Changes in ocean temperature, sea levels, and food availability due to climate change can disrupt dolphin habitats and make them more susceptible to disease.
- Habitat destruction: The destruction of coastal habitats, such as mangroves and coral reefs, can reduce the food supply for dolphins and make them more vulnerable to predators.
- Disease: Dolphins can suffer from a variety of diseases, some of which can be transmitted from humans.
- Boat strikes: Dolphins can be injured or killed when they collide with boats.
- Sonar use: The use of sonar by the military and other organizations can disrupt dolphin communication and behavior, and can even cause physical injuries.