The agriculture minister announced on Monday that the number of Mekong dolphins in Cambodia has increased to over 100, bringing hope for the endangered species.
The Irrawaddy dolphins, known for their small size, shyness, domed foreheads, and short beaks, used to inhabit the Mekong river all the way to the delta in Vietnam.
However, their population has decreased significantly, from 200 in 1997 to only 89 in 2020, primarily due to illegal fishing, habitat loss, and plastic pollution.
“Currently, we have around 105 dolphins,” stated Agriculture Minister Dith Tina during a ceremony commemorating National Fisheries Day.
Eight new dolphin calves were born in the first half of this year, but there were also two deaths reported, according to the agriculture ministry.
The increase in numbers follows the birth of eight dolphins last year, but there were also five deaths in 2023, as mentioned in a ministry report.
“The ministry has implemented strict measures against fishing violations and the production and distribution of harmful fishing equipment that harm marine resources,” added Dith Tina.
Last year, Cambodia’s former leader Hun Sen reversed a law aimed at protecting the species, citing concerns about dolphin deaths and negative impacts on the fishing industry due to conservation laws.
The Irrawaddy dolphins are listed on the “Red List” of endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Additionally, approximately 70% of the dolphin population is now too old to reproduce, posing a threat to their survival.
The dolphins’ habitat has also been affected by upstream dams in Laos and China, as well as climate change which has altered water levels in the river.
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