PHNOM PENH: Cambodia is stepping up efforts to protect the Mekong River dolphin. The construction of a new “Dolphin Conservation Command Centre”, stronger law enforcement and additional equipment for river guards are underway.
The command centre will include the use of new advanced technologies, including environmental DNA (eDNA) and passive acoustic monitoring (PAM), while plans to promote community livelihoods through nature-based tourism are also in place.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina presented three patrol boats to river guards at the Mekong River Dolphin Conservation and Protection Station in Kampi, Sambok commune, Chitr Borei district, Kratie province, on Monday, August 17, to improve patrol operations and protection of the dolphins.
According to an agriculture ministry statement, the handover took place as Tina and EU ambassador to Cambodia Igor Driesmans led a Cambodian-EU delegation on a visit to the Kampi dolphin pool.
With support from Belgium, the EU and other development partners, the Fisheries Administration and WWF are working together to manage, protect and conserve the rare resource, which the government describes as a “national treasure”.
The efforts aim to strike a balance between conservation and improving the livelihoods of local fishing communities by supporting the creation of new sources of income.
A Mekong River dolphin swims in the Kampi dolphin pool in Kratie province. Agriculture ministry
“Supporting household economies is intended to reduce communities’ complete dependence on fishing while encouraging them to participate in conservation and the prevention of fisheries crimes, contributing to reducing pressure on natural resources in a sustainable manner,” the ministry said.
A new Dolphin Conservation Command Centre is expected to be completed by the end of 2026 with support from WWF and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation Special Fund.
The centre will enable specialists to inspect sites, collect data, monitor activities and respond quickly to illegal activities, especially illegal electrofishing, to provide more effective protection for the Mekong River dolphin.
The establishment of the command centre will be accompanied by 24-hour daily patrols, strict action against fisheries offences and the use of advanced scientific technologies, including eDNA and PAM, or passive acoustic monitoring, which uses underwater sound to monitor aquatic wildlife.
The government is also seeking to improve community livelihoods through nature-based tourism as part of its broader conservation strategy.
Six Mekong River dolphin births were recorded in Cambodia so far this year, bringing the country’s total dolphin population to 118.
Tragically, one adult dolphin died after becoming entangled in fishing gear in July. - Phnom Penh Post/ANN
