For Immediate Release, June 26, 2017

U.S. Agency Proposes Listing Taiwanese Humpback Dolphin as Endangered

Critically Imperiled Dolphin Needs Immediate Safeguards, International Cooperation

WASHINGTON— The National Marine Fisheries Service today proposed listing the rare Taiwanese humpback dolphin (also known as the Taiwanese white dolphin), Sousa chinensis taiwanensis, as endangered, determining that the subspecies has a high risk of extinction throughout its restricted range. The decision comes in response to a March 2016 petition submitted by the Animal Welfare Institute, the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians seeking federal protections to help prevent the extinction of a population that now numbers fewer than 75 individuals.

“This proposed rule is a major victory for the Taiwanese white dolphin,” said Dr. Naomi Rose, Animal Welfare Institute marine mammal scientist. “We applaud the United States for taking this significant step toward recognizing the plight of this subspecies, which is on the brink of extinction. Even though the subspecies exists solely in Taiwanese waters, this listing will promote stronger protection for the population by Taiwanese authorities, hopefully in cooperation with U.S. input.”

Taiwanese humpback dolphins are threatened by gillnet fishing, pollution, boat traffic, and development along Taiwan's densely populated west coast, including the proposed construction of large wind farms. An endangered listing would enable the United States to provide technical expertise and resources to support Taiwan in conserving the rare dolphin. The Endangered Species Act has proven to be an effective safety net for imperiled species — extinction has been prevented for more than 99 percent of plants and animals under its care. Scientists estimate that 227 species would have gone extinct by 2006 if not for the Act's protections.

“These rare dolphins need protection if they're going to survive. Small cetaceans like the white dolphin of Taiwan or the vaquita in Mexico will disappear forever if we don't work together to save them,” said Abel Valdivia, an ocean scientist with the Center for Biological Diversity. “The U.S. action recognizes that international cooperation is needed to save certain species from extinction.”

The Taiwanese humpback dolphin, also known in Taiwan as Matsu's fish, is a biologically and culturally important subspecies of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin. In 2014 the Service denied a previous petition to protect the Taiwanese humpback dolphin, concluding that the population was not distinct from the Chinese white dolphin, which swims in shallow waters closer to China's coastline and separated by the deeper waters of the Taiwan Strait. More recent taxonomic studies determined that the Taiwanese humpback dolphin is a distinct subspecies with unique characteristics and is geographically isolated from its Chinese cousins.

“Today's decision is an important step in preventing the extinction of this critically imperiled dolphin and getting it on the road to recovery,” said Bethany Cotton, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. “We urge the Fisheries Service to quickly finalize these essential protections and work with our Taiwanese allies to address the serious threats to the dolphin's survival and recovery.”

An estimated 50–80 percent of all life on earth is found in the oceans. More than half of marine species may be at risk of extinction by 2100 without significant conservation efforts. Despite this grave situation, the U.S. largely fails to protect marine species under the Endangered Species Act.

To view the proposed rule, visit https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2017/06/26/2017-13250/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-proposed-endangered-listing-determination-for-the. It is now open for public comment, until August 25.