Dolphins spotted near the Prek Tnaot fishing community in Kampot province. Pornechor/FB
The Prek Tnaot fishing community in Kampot province’s Bokor town is gaining attention for its conservation endeavours, which have significantly enhanced marine biodiversity, particularly the populations of dolphins and dugongs.
Prime Minister Hun Manet shared a video of the marine mammals on his social media noting, “Through these successful conservation efforts, we can frequently see the presence of these diverse species on display to tourists during their visits to the community.”
The community covers 1,168 hectares and serves as a protected area for mangroves, safeguarding them from deforestation and encroachment. It is also a site for further mangrove planting and plays a crucial role in conserving marine biodiversity, including seagrass and rare species such as pink dolphins (Indo-Pacific humpback/Sousa chinensis), dugongs, seahorses and sea turtles, according to the prime minister's post.
Mao Choch, a committee member of the community, reported that the area is home to around 15 humback dolphins, along with other species.
“Since the installation of artificial reefs, we have seen an increase in marine life. There is also one dugong. The abundance of dolphins here helps draw many tourists. Most visitors are keen to see the dolphins and seagrass,” he said.
Kampot is estimated to have between 40 and 46 humpback dolphins and between 20 and 30 Irrawaddy dolphins, which are found across three fishing communities in Prek Tnaot commune: Prek Tnaot, Trapeang Ropov and Chhanghon, according to Sar Sarin, director of the Fisheries Administration’s (FiA) provincial cantonment.
Fisheries conservation officials from the agriculture ministry have urged fishermen to monitor and rescue Mekong dolphins during the rainy season when rising river levels put the dolphins at risk.
Phay Somany, deputy director of the FiA’s fisheries conservation department, explained that during the rainy season, dolphins migrate from their deep-water sanctuaries to forage in the flooded fields.
He said this puts them at risk of being caught in fishing nets or traps along streams and tributaries, requiring close attention and caution from all, especially fishermen, according to a video clip recently posted by the ministry.
Fisheries officials along the Mekong River have been instructed to cooperate with local fishermen to raise awareness about the dolphins' migration to slower water currents. Specifically, fishermen have been educated on how to help rescue and release dolphins if they are accidentally caught in nets.
“How do you release them? Generally, dolphins can't survive in water for more than 12 to 15 minutes. So, when they get trapped in fishing nets, the best method is to cut the nets and release the dolphins immediately,” Somany explained.
He added that the dolphins' migration during the rainy season is not permanent, as they follow schools of fish to forage and then return to their sanctuaries. He said during the dry season, most dolphins prefer to gather in deep-water pools that offer good ecological conditions, abundant food sources and safety.
Somany cited Kampi Pool in Kratie province as an example of a safe habitat with a healthy ecosystem rich in fish, making it a prime location for dolphin gathering.
The agriculture ministry stated that as of June, the number of Mekong River dolphins in Cambodia had risen to approximately 105, with eight newborn calves this year. However, it noted that three dolphins died, including a young female found dead in a 15cm-wide fishing net near Kampi Pool in Chroy Banteay commune of Kratie’s Prek Prasap district in August.
Somany also noted that dolphin protection is carried out under legal mechanisms, with 72 river guards assigned to monitor the mammals. Of these, 44 are based in Kratie and 28 in Stung Treng. He said the guards patrol the rivers 24 hours a day to safeguard the dolphins.
“Deep-water pools are sanctuaries for breeding fish and all types of aquatic biodiversity. Therefore, protecting the dolphins also ensures the sustainability of natural fish stocks, allowing people to continue relying on these aquatic resources for daily consumption,” he emphasised.
