The loss of dolphin habitat is directly linked to the collective human activity in and along the marine environment. Humans have exploited resources of near and offshore ecosystems, in which dolphins utilise for a variety of behaviours such as resting, feeding, breeding and socialising. Some examples include the spike in the number of commercial and recreational boats in the oceans, the noise from oil and gas drilling, construction of landfills, harbours, resorts and fisheries, as well as the pollution from sewage spills, chemical runoffs and heavy metals. All these human activities destroy the areas that dolphins need, driving them to settle for less favourable areas of non-optimal temperature or with fewer food resources.

In addition, human activities have also induced climate change, which is another reason for the degradation of habitat.