Dolphins and fisheries clash, leading to potential conservation crisis.
Interactions between dolphins and artisanal fisheries around the Balearic Islands were studied to understand the impact on both. Data from 1,040 fishing operations showed that location and year influenced the likelihood of interactions, with some areas seeing more over time. The cost of catch loss and net damage was estimated to be 6.5% of the total catch value, with an annual loss of 3.4% by weight. This loss is equivalent to the food needs of around 12 dolphins, indicating the fishery is not a crucial food source for them. Two dolphins died from entanglement during fishing operations, suggesting up to sixty dolphins may be dying in nets each year. This interaction poses a serious conservation threat to the dolphin population.