Local authorities and partner organisations have long been engaged in enforcing the law and educating the public on protecting Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins. However, the death of newborn calves, often due to fishing gear like nets or hooks, remains a common issue.

It has been noted that poaching in dolphin sanctuaries likely occurs because fishermen are unaware of the prohibited zones. 

This year, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries plans to erect 12 markers in Stung Treng and Kratie provinces, along with setting up 20 buoys and one floating house in the Kampi area, to clarify the boundaries of the conservation area.

Ministry spokesperson Im Rachna says the installations aim to notify fishermen of protected zones and deter them from encroaching, as it can be detrimental to the freshwater dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris). 

“These efforts aim to raise awareness about the conservation zones and to inform people that the use of all types of nets and electric devices is prohibited, with the exception of bamboo cage traps and certain traditional fishing gear,” she says.

While she did not specify when these measures would commence, officials are currently inspecting the two neighbouring provinces. 

The spokeswoman mentions that the ministry continues to collaborate with relevant authorities and local administrations to crack down on illegal fishing and the use of prohibited fishing equipment.

“The Fisheries Administration [FiA], working alongside provincial authorities, has assigned a team of 44 river guards and officers. They are tasked with patrolling the key dolphin conservation areas in Kratie and Stung Treng around the clock, every day of the week,” she says. 

Additionally, the working group plans to continue educating fishermen and communities in the region to understand and comply with FiA regulations regarding the use of certain fishing implements that endanger dolphins.

The government has designated a 120km stretch of the Mekong in the two provinces as dolphin management zones, with 35km in Stung Treng and 85km in Kratie. 

The area spans from the lower part of the Cambodia-China Friendship Bridge in Stung Treng to the head of Koh Trong in Kratie, covering a total of 621sq km. Of this, 216.4sq km are designated as permanent conservation areas and 404.6sq km as seasonal zones, based on scientific data related to dolphin living, migration, foraging and reproduction.

Educating community, fatalities down

According to Mok Ponlok, director of the FiA’s Kratie provincial cantonment, three calves were born in February, but unfortunately, one died after getting entangled in a net. 

He notes that a total of 89 Irrawaddy dolphins had been identified as of 2020 and that additional data is currently being compiled, with results yet to be released.

The official highlights that, through the efforts of the FiA and local authorities and round-the-clock patrols and crackdowns, the dolphin mortality rate decreased in 2023 compared to the year prior. 

He mentions that last year, Kratie recorded six newborn calves, with only two fatalities.

Agriculture ministry secretary of state Has Sareth, who also chairs the Commission for Mekong Dolphin Management and Protection, convened a meeting on March 7 to reinforce their protection. 

He urged local authorities at all levels, especially those at the grassroots, to actively participate in both promotion and patrols to prevent fishery crimes. 

“Local authorities are aware of each family’s business and trade, so [I urge] their full involvement in eradicating illegal fishing gear, particularly in the conservation area,” he stated at the time.

Yin Vannak, the governor of Chitr Borei district in Kratie, says the authorities have been educating the general public and fishermen not to fish in prohibited zones and to use the correct equipment.

He notes that understanding and participation in preservation are more effective than simply cracking down on those who are unaware. 

“[Irrawaddy] dolphins are a rare species and conservation work is invaluable. However, it requires the involvement of all stakeholders, as it is in the national interest and particularly benefits the local tourism sector,” he states.

“We can’t just rely on the authorities or experts; the community itself must participate in protection. When we all get involved, it shows our sense of responsibility and helps prevent illegal fishing in dolphin sanctuaries,” he adds.

Tuy Vanna, first deputy chief of Sambok commune in Chitr Borei district, has observed that the core area’s geography is complex, with rich water fields and many islands, making management and protection challenging. He says the ministry’s initiative to set up guide poles is an effective method. 

Vanna notes that awareness campaigns over the past decade have heightened local awareness of dolphin conservation, adding that illegal fishing, primarily conducted by outsiders for commercial reasons and not specifically targeting the animals, still poses a danger to these creatures due to the risk of being accidentally snared by nets or hooks.

“Both the community and people have been actively patrolling and spreading knowledge daily, leading to increased awareness among most locals,” he says. 

Reflecting on his experience as Sambok commune chief and a community leader in dolphin care, Vanna notes that the crackdown on fishery crimes has not been met with resistance. In his current mandate, he says such crimes have become less frequent, with patrols often finding only a few secretly placed nets.

He mentions that residents, especially in Sambok, Kbal Chuor, Kakot and Kampi villages, view the dolphins as a vital source of income, due to the opportunities they offer such as boat tours, souvenirs and food services. 

“Just hearing about the death of each dolphin saddens the people here, unlike in the past. Now, they see their value, equating their presence with tourism and income,” he says.

Dolphins equal income

Heang Oeun, a 72-year-old tourist boat captain in Kratie’s Anlong Kampi district, expresses concern over the loss of the mammals. 

He shares that their presence directly affects his income from boat tours. He believes that freshwater dolphins, being a rare species, are not only a symbol of national identity but also attract international and national tourists to witness their beauty firsthand. 

“Having dolphins means having tourists and earning income. They are essential to the livelihoods of the local residents,” he stresses.

Srey Sam Vichet, head of the FiA Stung Treng provincial cantonment, comments that protecting dolphins involves regular patrols by provincial officials and collaboration with local authorities to eliminate illegal fishing gear and identify individuals who continue using it in restricted areas. 

“From 2023 to March 12 this year, our working group has identified 80 suspects using electric shock fishing equipment across the province. Our officers, in cooperation with local authorities, will arrange meetings to encourage these individuals to surrender their illegal gear. If they refuse and continue their activities, we’ll follow legal procedures,” he says.

Vuchet adds that officials are working to prevent crimes, including those related to illicit fishing, the trafficking of endangered species and their illegal transportation.

Pheng Boeun, deputy head of the Koh Preah fishery community, remarks that patrols are regularly conducted to protect dolphins. 

He explains that fishing is the primary occupation in the area, and that while education is their main approach to combat these crimes, they resort to legal measures if necessary. 

“If fishermen ignore our guidance and pose a threat to the community, we report them to the authorities for legal action. Although fishing here is mainly for sustenance, uncontrolled fishing could lead to commercial exploitation. Some even venture into prohibited areas,” he says.

He adds that the number of fishermen in the area is relatively small, with only about 10 households from each of the six villages within the protected area engaged in the occupation.