Page 15 - Whales and Dolphins

Importance of
Whales and Dolphins:

Whales and dolphins are very sensitive to environmental disturbances
and negative human activities – thus making them an ideal indicator of
the health of marine ecosystems.

Whales help maintain a stable food chain so that certain species of
animals do not increase over others.

Whale feces plays a major role in capturing carbon from the atmosphere,
and it’s estimated that 400,000 tons of carbon are captured from the
atmosphere, each year, by whales.

Dolphins prey on old and sick fish. They play an important role in
combatting infectious diseases and ensuring the reproduction of fish
stocks. They are considered the sentinel species for our ocean’s health.

Dolphins are among the most intelligent species on earth. They are both
strange and funny and have great communication skills. Dolphins are
among few animals that make contact and interact with humans without
causing any harm and have been known to protect and defend people
from shark attacks.

Millions of dollars a year are paid to watch whales and dolphins in their
natural environment and have become a major source of tourist income
in some countries.

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