Dutch Whale Count Raises Concerns Over Declining Porpoise Population
VLISSINGEN, Netherlands – The first ever National Whale Count in the Netherlands has revealed aconcerningly low number of porpoises, raising alarm bells about the health of the Dutch marine environment. Over 200 volunteers, spread across 12 locations along the Dutch coast, spotted only 60 porpoises, including a mother with a calf, during the count on Saturday.
Whilea possible dolphin sighting was also reported, the overall count was significantly lower than expected. Stichting Rugvin, the foundation behind the whale count, expressed deep concern about the low numbers.
Five years ago, researchers counted55 porpoises in the Oosterschelde alone, said Frank Zanderink, director of Stichting Rugvin. This year, we only counted 26 in the same area. This decline is alarming and cannot beignored.
Zanderink attributed the low count to the high mortality rate observed this summer. 41 porpoises were found dead on beaches in 2024, he said. The cause is still being investigated, but it highlights the vulnerability of these creatures.
Porpoises, thesmallest whale species in Europe, face a multitude of threats from human activity, according to Zanderink. Overfishing, disturbance by boats, chemical pollution, drowning in fish nets, and the warming of the seawater are all contributing factors to their decline.
The North Sea is not a paradise for them, Zanderink emphasized. Whales need a lot of food, but the sea has been overfished. This lack of food, coupled with the other threats, is putting immense pressure on the porpoise population.
The National Whale Count, which Stichting Rugvin plans to repeat annually, aims to raise awareness about theporpoises, dolphins, and humpback whales that frequent Dutch waters and the impact of human activity on their well-being.
We need to understand that our actions have consequences for the marine environment, Zanderink said. The low porpoise count is a wake-up call. We must actnow to protect these creatures and ensure a healthy future for our oceans.
The Dutch government has pledged to address the issue of overfishing and other threats to marine life. However, environmental groups argue that more needs to be done to protect porpoises and other vulnerable species.
The low porpoise count is a starkreminder of the fragility of the marine ecosystem. It highlights the urgent need for a concerted effort to reduce human impact on the oceans and ensure the survival of these magnificent creatures.
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