A newborn baby dolphin was sighted in Anlong Tbong Khla in Stung Treng province, bringing the total Cambodian population to 105. WWF Cambodia
A newborn Irrawaddy dolphin was sighted by conservationists in Stung Treng province’s Siem Bok district on February 23. The welcome arrival was the first calf to be recorded in 2025.
A research team from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ Fisheries Administration (FiA) and WWF Cambodia made the heartening discovery at Anlong Tbong Khla, a pool in Tbong Khla village of O’Mreah commune.
A January 24 announcement by the ministry and the WWF explained that the newborn was spotted among a group of six adult dolphins.
“As of early 2025, the population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia has increased to 105 individuals,” it said.
The ministry and the WWF expressed gratitude to river guards, local authorities and citizens for their efforts in preserving and protecting this invaluable aquatic resource. They also called on the public and fishermen to report sightings of dolphins, especially calves, to the FiA.
Agriculture minister Dith Tina, during the closing ceremony of the ministry’s January 22 annual review, highlighted the Ministry’s achievements in conserving aquatic resources, particularly the Mekong River dolphins.
In 2024, nine dolphin calves were born, and four dolphins died, increasing the total population to 104, compared to the 99 recorded in 2023 and the 96 seen in 2022.
Tina added that frequent sightings of marine dolphins, including Irrawaddy dolphins, finless porpoises and pink dolphins, have been reported.
He also noted that many other rare species – such as dugong and other aquatic fauna – have been observed in coastal areas, particularly in Kep and Kampot provinces. He claimed that the increased sightings are the result of the ministry’s expanded cooperation with conservation organisations to reintroduce endangered species, such as the Royal turtles, into natural habitats for breeding purposes.
“The ministry has been successful in conserving aquatic resources, especially Mekong River dolphins, marine dolphins and other fish species. This ensures year-on-year growth through partnerships with wildlife conservation organisations to reintroduce endangered species into natural ecosystems,” he said.
Tina shared his pride in the excellent work done by the ministry to curb illegal fishing nationwide through collaborations with relevant institutions, subnational administrations and the armed forces. As a result, total fish production in 2024 reached nearly 1 million tonnes, a 7 per cent increase (60,000 tonnes) compared to 2023, which fulfilled 95 per cent of domestic demand.
He also noted one of 2024’s major achievements: the successful breeding of the giant barb, a national symbol of Cambodia. This was the first time the rare species had been bred in captivity.
