Dolphins have a universal appeal; they symbolise freedom, joy, grace and serenity and are incredibly friendly to humans. Unfortunately, they are now highly endangered, particularly in India, where anglers kill them for meat. According to the people of Katreni Kona and adjacent areas of fishing colonies, the dolphins approach the mechanised boats in the sea. Taking full advantage, the anglers are now selling dolphin meat in the market. In the past 10 years, India’s dolphin population has dwindled from 5,000 to between 1,200 and 1,500.

The river dolphins are included in the Indian Wildlife Act of 1972. According to the act, those guilty of killing them or possessing any part of them can be imprisoned for as many as six years and fined no less than Rs. 6,000. Unless officials ban the sale of dolphin meat and take immediate steps to stop anglers from harming them, their numbers may vanish in no time.

If this disturbing trend is allowed to continue, there might be a time when these fascinating animals will no longer be a part of our environment at all.

Please ask the Ministry of Environment and Forests and the Department of Fisheries to ban dolphin meat and to increase the penalty for violations of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972: