Phnom Penh (FN), Nov. 9 — Another newborn irrawaddy dolphin was spotted by the research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF on 8 November 2024 Anlong Kampi, Chroy Banteay village, Sambok commune, Chit Borei district, Kratie province. The newborn is in good health and is with two large dolphins.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries said this is the ninth baby irrawaddy dolphin born in 2024, the highest birth rate since 2021.

In 2021, Cambodia had six newborn irrawaddy dolphins and nine dead irrawaddy dolphins. By 2022, there were six newborn and 11 dead.

In 2023, there were eight dolphins born and five died, and in 2024, as of the beginning of November, there are nine dolphins and only three died.

Irrawaddy dolphins are a national treasure and are considered a unique fishery resource in Cambodia's Mekong River. In recent years, however, these dolphins have faced significant threats from various illegal activities, particularly electric fishing. In response to this issue, in January 2023, Samdech Techo Hun Sen directed the issuance of strict measures by relevant authorities at both national and sub-national levels to protect the dolphins effectively.

Following Samdech Techo's directive, authorities at all levels, especially river guards, have patrolled and cracked down on illegal activities along the river. These efforts have focused particularly on stopping electric fishing, which has been identified as the leading cause of dolphin deaths and infertility.

As a result of these protective measures, the status of irrawaddy dolphins has improved, and mortality rates have decreased.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries extends its gratitude to river communities, local authorities, and the public for their commitment to protecting fishery resources, which are a national treasure.

The ministry also urges fishermen who encounter dolphins to report sightings to the fisheries authorities at 012 897 943, 011 355 883, 099 791 919, 092 918 144, or 017 818 382.
=FRESH NEWS