Coastal development and habitat loss: understanding and resolving associated threats to the franciscana, Pontoporia blainvillei

Abstract

The constrained distribution of franciscana, Pontoporia blainvillei to coastal habitats off southern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina renders them highly vulnerable to various impacts from historically high regional development. Habitat degradation, chemical and noise pollution, effluent discharge, marine debris, overfishing, and other environmental impacts (e.g., climate change) affect the species—both individually and cumulatively. Multiple threats from land- and ocean-based sources can compromise health parameters causing immunological depression, population and resilience declines, and ultimately mortalities. Risk-assessment models should be predicted and applied to understand the key impacts and guide strategic planning, integrating both anthropogenic development and conservation needs. This chapter presents an overview of the current coastal impacts to franciscana, highlighting methods and future possibilities to assess and manage threats to ensure the species’ conservation.