KRATIE: A dolphin calf estimated to be around two weeks old was spotted in Kampi deep pool in Kratie province, according to the Fisheries Administration.

The Government's Fisheries Administration and WWF photographed the new dolphin calf on Sunday, 2 October, and confirmed it was the sixth calf recorded this year.

The calf was swimming together with other four adult dolphins when the research team spotted it during their survey in the dolphin habitat area located about three km upstream of Kampi deep pool in Sambo district, Kratie province.

Six dolphin calves were also recorded in 2021.

The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is ranked as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List, the highest international threat ranking for endangered species. The Mekong population is estimated to be around 89 dolphins.

The Fisheries Administration and WWF will engage with local authorities in protecting the habitat areas where calves were recorded, while continuing to reinforce the fisheries law and dolphin conservation measures across the whole dolphin habitat along the Mekong from Kratie to Stung Treng provinces. These will be done through regular river guard patrols and engaging the participation of fishery communities in alternative livelihood initiatives and the conservation of the remaining dolphins and mega fish species by stopping fishing practices that are prohibited by the law, particularly the use of gillnets and electrofishing.