Overview

• The western Baltic porpoise population has plummeted from 42,000 in 2016 to 14,000 by 2022, while only 100–1,000 remain in the inner Baltic Sea.
• Bycatch in gill nets is identified as the leading cause of porpoise mortality, as animals become entangled and drown.
• Overfishing and climate change have diminished fish stocks, forcing porpoises into constant foraging with limited success.
• Underwater noise from ships and other human activities disrupts porpoise feeding behavior, further exacerbating their struggle for nourishment.
• Experts advocate for bycatch-reducing fishing methods, noise-free zones, cleaner waters, and the creation of a Baltic Sea national park to protect the species.