Chairman of the BRACED Tourism Promotion & Development Initiative (BTPDI), Dr. Piriye Kiyaramo, has expressed deep concern over the recent killing of an endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin, an endemic species in the West African coast at Andoni beach in Andoni Local Government Area of Rivers State by a local fisherman.
Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt, after receiving a distress call from a local conservation non-governmental organisation in the Andoni Local Government Area on Monday, following a viral video of the killing of a dolphin in the area, Dr. Kiyaramo, the immediate past Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Bayelsa State Governor on Tourism, blamed the unfortunate incident on lack of proper sensitisation of the local fishermen in the area.
The BTPDI Board Chairman, who is also the National Publicity Secretary of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), called on the Executive Chairman of Andoni Local Government Area Council, Hon. Lazarus Gogoteh Nteogwile, and other relevant ministries and agencies to rise to the occasion to conserve the endangered species through legislations that would protect the humpback dolphin and other wildlife in Rivers State, informing that the Atlantic humpback dolphin is a popular species for whale watching tours, generating significant revenue for local economies.
While commending the governor of Rivers State, Sim Fubara, for his efforts towards developing the blue economy potential of the oil-rich state with particular reference to the Governor’s proposed mangrove conservation initiative, Dr. Kiyaramo urged the Rivers State House of Assembly to initiate bills to address the poaching of killing of the endangered Atlantic humpback dolphin and other marine wildlife in the state.
“Atlantic humpback dolphins play a crucial role in maintaining healthy fish populations, which supports commercial and artisanal fisheries. The dolphins’ presence helps to maintain the balance of marine ecosystems, ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and supporting food security.
“For cultural and social benefits, the Atlantic humpback dolphins hold cultural and spiritual significance for many coastal communities, supporting local traditions and identity.
Conservation efforts for Atlantic humpback dolphins can foster community engagement, education, and participation in marine conservation just as conservation and tourism efforts related to Atlantic humpback dolphins can create jobs and stimulate local economies.
“I can tell you that the presence of Atlantic humpback dolphins can generate significant revenue through tourism, licensing, and permits even as the conservation of Atlantic humpback dolphins can contribute to sustainable economic growth, supporting the development of local communities,” Dr. Kiyaramo emphasized.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Save Andoni Forest Elephant and Ecosystem Initiative (SAFE-i), Chief Gogo Abel Ujile, who called for the stoppage of the killings of the endangered Atlantic Humpback Dolphin (AHD) in Andoni, urged that Rivers State government to protect these internationally renowned wildlife species like the elephants, hippos, manatees, dolphins, sea turtles that are found in Andoni by designating the area as a National Marine Park.
