Dams along the river reduce flows, particularly in lower parts of the Indus River, limiting the transport of much-needed fertile sediments downstream into the delta. They also fragment freshwater habitat, posing a serious threat to the survival of the river dolphin and other species.
Water extraction for irrigation, runoff of chemicals into the river and introduced species also threaten the delta's freshwater species.
WWF works in Pakistan to conserve Indus river dolphin habitat and reduce water pollution. The international environmental organization also focuses on freshwater scarcity in the coastal areas of the Indus Delta.