Amazon River Dolphins Could Become Extinct as Moratorium on Hunting Catfish Ends

The critically endangered Amazon River Dolphin (aka the pink river dolphin) population has been protected within Brazil for a long time. Yet, prior to 2015 it declined for years, reaching a 94% loss, as poachers hunted the species to use as bait for catfish. In response, the Brazilian Government, led by Dilma Rousseff, implemented a moratorium on hunting catfish. This policy has now reached the end of its 5-year duration, causing scientists to voice their concern regarding the survival of the Amazon River Dolphin population. They have encouraged the Brazilian government to renew the moratorium, claiming that if it is not reinstated, the species could become extinct. However, the Bolsonaro Administration has yet to act on the scientists plea.