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Photo focus: Whales, dolphins in troubled waters
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Story and pix by Rahul Samantha Hettiarachchi - Hambantota Correspondent
Whales and Dolphins that frequent the country’s waters, especially off Mirissa in Matara, face many man-made threats.
It is only in Mirissa that people are able to see these marine mammals everyday of the year. However, the situation has deteriorated to such an extent that the very existence of these species is under threat.
Dolphins and whales tend to become entangled in the large nets used by fishermen. Authorities have further noted that some fishermen are also in the habit of hunting these creatures illegally for their meat.
In addition, over 200 ships sail everyday along the busy shipping lanes that crisscross Sri Lankan waters. Many dolphins and whales are also known to have died after being struck by vessels.
Appeals are further being made to immediately regulate the whale and dolphin watching-commercial operations around Mirissa. Officials say there are far too many boats engaged in this practice in the area and that competition among them means they venture far too close to the creatures, causing them distress and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
Are their days numbered: Dolphins (above), whales (below)
Innocent mammals killed for their meat