Kratie: A senior official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) announced that Cambodia has effectively prevented dolphin deaths attributed to illegal fishing gear in 2025. Additionally, eight newborn dolphin calves have been recorded, signifying a promising outcome in conservation efforts.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, H.E. Has Sareth, Secretary of State at the MAFF, made this announcement during a meeting focused on enhancing the management and protection of Mekong River dolphins. The meeting was held under the Commission for the Conservation and Development of the Mekong Dolphin Ecotourism Zone on Mar. 9 in Kratie city, Kratie province.
H.E. Has Sareth expressed appreciation for the collective efforts that have contributed to the successful protection of the dolphins. The achievements are attributed to the collaboration among various stakeholders, including the MAFF-particularly the Fisheries Conservation Department of the Fisheries Administration-as the implementing body, along with the provincial administrations of Kratie and Stung Treng, relevant provincial authorities, local administrations, WWF, and river guard teams.
These groups have increased patrols to curb illegal fishing activities, monitored dolphin health, enhanced public awareness, and strengthened partnerships with development partners.
To further improve dolphin protection, the Secretary of State identified five key priorities: reinforcing the structure and capacity of river guard teams, upgrading patrol stations such as converting the Kampi station into a research and monitoring centre with modern equipment, introducing advanced technologies including automated cameras and drones linked to monitoring systems, focusing on the protection of fish spawning pools to ensure sustainable fish resources and dolphin food supply, and expanding education and awareness campaigns among local communities and the public to safeguard dolphins and the Mekong River ecosystem.