As many as 30 Indus dolphins died in 2011, which is the highest number of deaths during last few years, it is learnt. The surge has rung the alarming bells for the authorities concerned for taking concrete steps to safeguard the species. The use of poisonous chemicals by the fisherman to catch fishes, illegal fishing and use of banned fishing nets are serious threats to the survival of the species. Over 28 deaths were reported from Guddu to Sukkur barrages, while two from upstream Guddu barrage. The blind dolphin is already an endangered species and is only found in two rivers, Asia-Ganges and the Indus River. The highest number of dolphins is found from Guddu barrage to Sukkur barrage. According to survey conducted last year by Sindh Wildlife Department in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature – Pakistan (WWF–P), some 980 dolphins were counted, said an official of wildlife department Sindh. He said the number of deaths of Indus dolphins remained high this year as compare to last years. While giving reasons behind the highest death toll, he said rampant use of banned fishing nets and poisons were threatening the dolphin. As per survey conducted by WWF-P in 2006, there were 1,600-1,750 dolphins from Jinnah Barrage to Kotri Barrage, while of them 1,200 found in the area from the Guddu Barrage to Kotri Barrage, Coordinator of Indus River Dolphin Conservation Project (IRDCP) of WWF-P Uzma Naureen Khan said. She said a section of the last year survey was yet to be completed thus far, which is why, it was premature to say about the actual number of dolphins. Khan maintained that the reason behind the drawback of highest deaths of dolphins during last year was not taking action against the violators. She said from Guddu barrage to Sukkur barrage the area was declared Indus Dolphin Reserve and it was protected. She said according to the law, FIRs should be lodged against the violators but the law was not being implemented. She also rebuffed the licensing system for catching fishes to fishermen which ultimately increase in deaths of dolphins. It may be noted here that according to census-2001, the number of Indus dolphin stood at 602 in Dolphin Reserve (Guddu to Sukkur Barrage) and 18 in Sukkur to Kotri Barrage.