Mixed views on fate of Irrawaddy dolphins in Mekong

Mekong River Dolphin

STEUNG TRENG (Cambodia Herald)- The Eco-Tourism Association in Thala Boryvat district says it's concerned that the local population of Irrawaddy dolphins is falling.

Poy Vanna, a 45-year-old boat tour guide, agrees. He says he's worried as the number of dolphins living in a deep pool area where he resides has fallen from 15 to eight.

He suspects illegal fishing, with explosives, chemicals and electro-fishing devices, as well as the use of fishing nets  in dolphin conservation zones and changes in the weather.

At a recent meeting in Steung Treng, Poy Vanna urged local people to help prevent illegal fishing. But he said nobody seemed concerned and noted that some illegal fishermen were impersonating authorities by wearing uniforms.

According to head of dolphin conservation in Steung Treng, however, the number of dolphins in the area is now about 80, which marks an increase over the past six years. He added that four dolphins had recently given birth.

Steung Treng Province Deputy Governor Mao Thornin said there were more dolphins this year as fish were more abundant after last year's major floods. He called on authorities and local conservationists to protect the dolphins since they are a major tourist attraction.

Yet local villagers complain that many tourists are put off by damaged roads and that, while they have contributed money for repairs, the roads still look the same.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature considers the Irrawaddy dolphin as a "critically endangered" species. The dolphin is found between India and the Philippines and as far south as Indonesia. The sub-population in the Mekong is limited to habitats in Steung Treng and Kratie.