PHNOM PENH: A new-born dolphin calf has been spotted at Kampi deep pool in Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province, according to Mr. Ouk Vibol, Director of Department of Fisheries Conservation of the Fisheries Administration.

During the population survey of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River in 2022, the research team of the Fisheries Administration and WWF found a new-born dolphin calf swimming together with a group of adult dolphins between 8 and 10 individuals in Kampi water deep pool of Kratie province on April 22, 2022, he said.

It is the 2nd calf recorded during the period of the first four months in 2022, underlined the director.

In order to ensure that this dolphin calf is to survive to adulthood in the population, the Fisheries Administration called on local fishermen to participate in protecting this animal and immediately stop illegal fishing practices, especially gill net and electro-fishing.

The Mekong’s Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List.

In 2021, an estimated number of 95 dolphins were recorded in the Mekong River in Cambodia, up from 93 in 2020 and 89 in 2019, pointed out a report of the Department of Fisheries Conservation.