In Japan, thousands of Dall’s porpoise are killed in directed hunts every year. The animals are killed for consumption. As there are no recent abundance estimates for Dall’s porpoise in Japanese waters, it is unknown whether the take is sustainable, i.e. whether it is having any negative effects on population trends.
In addition to directed hunts, a large number of Dall’s porpoise are also accidentally as by-catch in fisheries.
References and Further Reading
- Kasuya, T. (1992). Examination of Japanese statistics for the Dall's porpoise hand harpoon fishery. Report of the International Whaling Commission.
- Kasuya, T. (1978). The life history of Dall's porpoise with special reference to the stock off the Pacific coast of Japan. Scientific Reports of the Whales Research Institute.