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Posted: Wednesday, May 23rd, 2012 8:37 AM HST

Group sues for rare Hawaii dolphin

By Associated Press

An environmental group is suing the National Marine Fisheries Service to force a decision on whether it will list a population of rare dolphins living near Hawaii as an endangered species. Fewer than 200 dolphins of the species called false killer whales live within 90 miles of Hawaii's shores. The fisheries service recommended 18 months ago that the population be listed. Under federal law, the agency had one year to decide. The Natural Resources Defense Council filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday. Council senior policy analyst Michael Jasny says every day the listing is delayed is a day without steps taken to protect the animals. A 2010 fisheries service study said the dolphins are in danger of inbreeding and getting caught on fishing lines.