Threats for dolphins are on the rise. They face entanglement in fishing nets, marine pollution, prey depletion due to over-fishing, deliberate hunting and disturbance from noise. These are only some of the causes why they might soon be extinct in the world's seas.

To help stop this process, the United Nations Environment Programme/Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) along with ACCOBAMS and ASCOBANS decided to launch the Year of the Dolphin 2007. This campaign will involve Governments, NGOs and the private sector around the world to emphasize the need to protect dolphin species. The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) and the tourist group TUI are partners.

The Year of the Dolphin gives me the opportunity to renew my firm commitment towards protecting marine biodiversity. With this strong initiative we can make a difference to save these fascinating marine mammals from the brink of extinction, said Prince Albert, the patron of the campaign....

Dolphins are such intelligent and beautiful creatures. It would be a big shame to lose them. I love hearing about people who take the time for dolphin conservation issues. They should be applauded! If only we could have more people joining the cause, then we would never lose these beautiful animals.

Read the rest of the article here and visit the official Year of the Dolphin 2007 Website too!