Save Rare Australian Dolphin Species!
- by: Ellyn S.
- recipient: Minister Tony Burke, Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population, and Communities
The snubfin dolphin (Orcaella heinsohni) is a stubby-faced, tri-colored species of dolphin that wasn't even discovered until 2005. These creatures are exceedingly rare and travel in pods in the rivers and coasts of northern Australia.
Now, the snubfin dolphin could be wiped out for the sake of greed. An Xstrata coal port is being planned for Balaclava Island at the mouth of the Fitzroy River. A pod of some seventy snubfun dolphins currently call these clear waters home. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) says that this pod could be completely eradicated in ten to twenty years if the proposed coal port moves forward.
"The unfortunate situation is that the habitat they rely on is exactly the type of habitat that's likely to be destroyed or significantly damaged by the Balaclava Island development," said WWF spokesman Richard Leck.
Tell Minister Tony Burke to save the snubfin dolphin!
Dear Minister Burke,
We the undersigned are writing out of grave concern regarding the plight of Australia's native snubfin dolphin.
The snubfin dolphin is a rare, curious-looking aquatic creature found in northern Australia's rivers and coastal waters. The species was only discovered in 2005; in fact, it was the first new dolphin species to be discovered in 56 years.
Australia has been intent on developig the Great Barrier Reef coastline for several decades now, and there is an Xstrata coal port being planned for Balaclava Island at the mouth of the Fitzroy River. This is the exact spot where a pod of some seventy snubfin dolphins make their home, feeding among the mangroves and splashing in the shallows. No matter how hard Xstrata tries, there will be environmental impacts from their project, and experts estimate that this pod could be completely eradicated in ten to twenty years.
We urge you to do all within your power to make sure this new species does not fall prey to industrialization!
Thank you!
