A survey conducted this month observed 76 Irrawaddy dolphins in Myanmar’s protected river areas between Mingun, Mandalay Region, and Banmaw, Kachin State, marking an increase of seven dolphins since last year.
The survey was carried out by the Fisheries Department in partnership with the Wildlife Conservation Society, which conduct a survey on the endangered dolphin species every year. The team recorded 70 dolphins in 2017 and 65 dolphins in 2016.
The seven new dolphins discovered during this year’s 11-day survey included two baby dolphins. They were spotted in a stretch of river between Htigyaing, Sagaing Region, and Shwegu, Kachin State, where two dolphins were found dead in recent months with wounds that were thought to have been inflicted by humans. This area received protected status from the Myanmar government late last month.
Electrofishing, pollution, and boat propellers are among the most significant threats to the Irrawaddy dolphin, and the Fisheries Department is working to combat the behaviors of fishermen who subject dolphins to these threats. Law enforcement officials who accompanied the survey team filed cases against fishermen from 17 boats who are suspected of electrofishing in the protected area. The practice is banned nationwide, and violators can receive up to three years in prison, plus a K300,000 fine.
Irrawaddy dolphins surface every 30 to 60 seconds to breathe air and are known to swim more slowly than marine dolphins. They have been known to help local fishermen by herding fish into their nets in exchange for some of the catch. Conservationists are trying to promote tourism in areas where the dolphins live in order to raise awareness of their threatened existence.
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