STAFF REPORT KHI: Habitat of the Indus River dolphin, currently reduced to one-fifth of its historical range, is degraded primarily due to shortage of water caused by its diversions to meet the growing agricultural needs in country.
This was stated by speakers during an awareness event about conservation of Indus dolphin, organised by WWF-Pakistan on Sunday at Indus River Dolphin Conservation and Information Centre, Sukkur.
Imran Malik, Senior Conservation Officer of WWF-Pakistan said that Indus River dolphin is facing multiple threats which included canal stranding, release of untreated industrial effluents; unsustainable fishing and entanglement incidences of the dolphin.
He emphasised that sustainable fishing practices need to be promoted coupled with provision of alternative livelihood opportunities for local people to reduce pressure on aquatic resources.