Lahille's bottlenose dolphin is found off the coasts of Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The total population is estimated at around 600 animals, with a declining trend in at least some parts of its range. Bycatch in artisanal fisheries, pollution and habitat loss are considered to be the main concerns for their long-term viability.
There are two main sub-populations of Lahille's bottlenose dolphins identified: Argentina and southern Brazil/Uruguay. Some coastal communities in southern Brazil attach social, economic and cultural value to them due to a unique behaviour: working cooperatively with artisanal mullet fishers. This has not protected them from the human-related pressures and cumulative stressors of their coastal habitat. The IWC initially responded to these concerns by establishing a Task Team. Task Teams are a rapid and targeted response mechanism where significant and swift population decline has occurred and a real threat of extinction exists. The Lahille's Task Team was formed in 2021 and brought together a group of experts to investigate the factors contributing to population declines in specific areas. This led to a proposal for more the more formalised and long term mechanism of a CMP which was proposed by the three range states and endorsed in 2024.
The short and mid-term objectives of the CMP relate to strategic research aimed at bridging knowledge gaps, mitigating the main known threats, monitoring such threats, increasing awareness and capacity building. The overarching long-term goal is to reverse the declining trend in population and prevent continued habitat degradation to ensure future viability.
Lahille's dolphin distribution
Priority work areas
The priority actions are arranged according to four strategic themes:
- scientific research for management advice and to fill knowledge gaps
- mitigation measures
- monitoring
- public awareness and capacity building
Read the Conservation Management Plan for Lahille's dolphin
Credit: Rodrigo Machado
Lahille's dolphin has adapted its behaviour to cooperate with artisanal castnet fisheries in southern Brazil.
Credit: Pedro Fruet Credit: Mariano Alberto Coscarella
The coastal habitat of Lahille's dolphin faces multiple and cumulative threats
