Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina confirmed that the number of Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) in Cambodia has increased, with the current population estimated at around 105.

He stated that the ministry has taken stringent measures against illegal fishing activities and the production and distribution of harmful fishing equipment, such as electric shock devices.

During the 19th National Fish Day celebration in Kampong Cham province on July 1, Tina emphasised that the ministry has promoted the release of breeding and endangered fish back into the wild and implemented monitoring devices for migratory fish, most of which are rare species.

“As a result, we have seen an increase in the number of dolphins, which previously had a high mortality rate. In the first six months of 2024, eight baby dolphins were born, and only two deaths were recorded. Today, we have approximately 105 dolphins,” the minister said.

At the event, Prime Minister Hun Manet urged the Fisheries Administration (FiA) to continue strengthening the conservation of both flooded and mangrove forests, particularly the conservation of breeding fish, Irrawaddy dolphins (Mekong River dolphins) and other vulnerable aquatic species, as well as to release more fish and breeding fish into natural habitats.

“The FiA, local authorities and related stakeholders must enhance the capacity of fishing communities to manage, protect and conserve fishery resources in line with the slogan “Fishing Community, No Fishery Crimes” and expand eco-tourism activities in all communities, especially in areas rich in fish, dolphins, birds and flooded or mangrove forests to support the livelihoods of fishermen and reduce dependence on fishing alone for their livelihoods.”

At the end of May, a new baby dolphin was spotted swimming with an adult dolphin in the Prek Tnaot area of Bokor city in Kampot province. In April, conservationists were delighted to spot the seventh baby dolphin of the year in the Anlong Kampi dolphin conservation area in Kratie province.

Nuth Rithy, head of the Mekong River guards based in Kampi, told reporters in early December 2023 that the implementation of 24-hour patrols in the conservation area had reduced the mortality rate of dolphins and increased births, but there were still some risks facing Irrawaddy dolphins.

He noted that in 2023, there were eight new dolphin births and five deaths, including deaths due to old age, entanglement in fishing nets and illegal electric fishing equipment.

The dolphin census is conducted every three years with a total of 89 recorded in the 2020 survey.