fisherfolk : Goats and Soda : NPR
The number of the endangered Indus River dolphin in Pakistan is seeing a revival, thanks to citizen-scientists, including illiterate fishermen. Members of the fishing community, incentivized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), report sightings and aid in rescues of stranded dolphins. The population of the dolphins has reportedly risen from around 150 in 1974 to nearly 2,000 now. However, the species remains vulnerable due to the Indus River’s high pollution levels and changes in river conditions. The WWF has launched a citizen science program for illiterate fisherfolk to help understand the life and threats facing the dolphin.
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