ENVIRONMENT
Cambodian Minister of Information Neth Pheaktra on Sunday (March 9) called for concerted efforts to protect and preserve critically endangered Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins.
“We urge citizens and local authorities to join in protecting and preserving these endangered dolphins along the Mekong River in order to preserve the rich biodiversity of the Mekong River,” he said.
Pheaktra said local communities would greatly benefit from conservation because dolphins are a key attraction for both domestic and international tourists.
“Tourists have come to visit these freshwater mammals every day, and their visits have generated jobs and income for local people,” he said.
The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphins have been listed as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species since 2004.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries estimated that as of 2024, there were 105 Irrawaddy dolphins living along a 180-km main channel of the Mekong River in northeast Stung Treng and Kratie provinces.
The ministry recorded four newborn dolphins in the first two months of 2025, with no deaths.
Are all dolphin species endangered?
While many dolphin species are not currently endangered, several, including some river dolphin species and specific populations of bottlenose dolphins, face serious threats and are considered endangered or vulnerable.
Here’s a more detailed look:
Endangered Species:
At least nine dolphin species are currently considered endangered by the IUCN, the Endangered Species Act (ESA), or both.
Indus River Dolphin: Classified as endangered by the IUCN since 1986, with less than 2000 mature individuals left and facing threats like habitat degradation, water pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear.
Amazon River Dolphin: Classified as “endangered” by the IUCN since 2018.
Bottlenose Dolphins: While the common bottlenose dolphin is considered “Least Concern” globally, populations in the Mediterranean and Black Sea are facing serious declines and are considered “Vulnerable” or “Endangered”.
Other River Dolphins: Several other river dolphin species, such as the vaquita porpoise, are also critically endangered.
Dolphins face various threats, including habitat degradation, water pollution, entanglement in fishing gear, climate change, and human activities.
Conservation efforts are critical for protecting these vulnerable dolphin species, including creating protected areas, enhancing management of dolphin habitats, and addressing unsustainable fishing practices.
TS/ERMD
