Threat to endangered pink Amazonian river dolphins escalates as mercury levels surge
In the vast expanse of the Amazon, a silent crisis is unfolding. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed the pink river dolphin as endangered in 2018, a stark reminder of the dwindling numbers of these magnificent creatures.
Over the past few decades, dolphin populations in the Amazon have experienced a significant decline. Pink river dolphins have seen a 52% drop, while their gray counterparts have suffered a 34% decline. This alarming trend is attributed to various threats, including overfishing, habitat loss, prolonged drought, and illegal mining and mercury pollution.
One of the most concerning aspects of this crisis is the use of dolphin testing operations. These operations involve extensive scans of lungs, heart, and other vital organs for disease, checks for respiratory problems, internal injuries, signs of reproduction, bacterial cultures, mercury testing, microchip implantation for identification, and photographing the animals' skin and scars.
The high levels of mercury in the Amazon, a byproduct of small-scale gold mining, are a significant concern. Hair samples from various Amazon regions show averages above the World Health Organization's safe threshold of 1 part per million. In one Colombian community, mercury levels were found to be more than 22 milligrams per kilogram.
Efforts to combat this crisis are underway. Ecuador, Suriname, and Guyana have filed action plans to cut mercury use in small-scale gold mining. Brazil has launched raids and moved to restrict satellite internet used by illegal gold-mining camps that use mercury, aiming to disrupt logistics and supply lines. Colombia has banned mercury use in mining and ratified the Minamata Convention, although watchdogs say illegal mining persists across much of the country.
The Omacha Foundation, a conservation organisation specialising in the conservation of river animals and rivers, is at the forefront of these efforts. Led by William Tapia, the foundation conducts research on the health of river dolphins and has recorded antimicrobial resistance and respiratory problems, and identified possible emerging diseases that could pose risks to both dolphins and humans.
José "Mariano" Rangel, a former fisherman from Venezuela, leads the dolphin testing operation in the Amazon. Each dolphin testing, scan, and blood test is part of a larger fight to prevent the pink river dolphin from becoming critically endangered and extinct.
Recent actions have shown promise. Peru recently seized a record 4 tons of smuggled mercury, a significant blow to the illegal mining operations that contribute to the high mercury levels in the Amazon. The fight to protect the pink river dolphins is a long and arduous one, but with continued efforts and commitment, it is a battle that can be won.
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