By:
• Chhum Chantha

• September 6, 2024 , 7:15 PM

PHNOM PENH – Irrawaddy dolphin numbers have risen from 92 to 105 in Cambodia in the last two years. The increase shows the success in conservation work of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

At a meeting with Kratie provincial fishery officials on Sept. 2, Ministry spokesperson Im Rachna said river guard officers took turns every day to prevent illegal fishing. 

Regardless, there is still fishing with big hole nets and electric tools in Kratie province which harm dolphins, she said. 

Rachna encouraged the provincial administration, local authorities and river guards to cooperatively strengthen protection measures to ensure the sustainability of dolphins, a national treasure for attracting tourists and increasing local people’s income. 

Since January to date, eight dolphins were born but two died. The deaths decreased by three compared to 2023. 

The Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as Orcaella brevirostris, is one of the world’s six types of fresh water dolphin. The dolphin is listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. 

The dolphins live in three rivers around the world, the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar, Mahakam River in Indonesia and Mekong River in Cambodia. 

 

Originally written in Khmer for ThmeyThmey, this story was translated by Meng Seavmey for Cambodianess.