The fourth of this year’s newborn Mekong dolphin calves was sighted at a pool born and spotted at a pool in Stung Treng province on March 21, bringing Cambodia’s Mekong dolphin population to 116.
Earlier the same day, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries announced the March 18 birth of a third calf in Kratie province.
The latest sighting took place in Stung Treng’s Svay village, Koh Sralay commune, Siem Bok district, while the Kratie newborn was spotted by a team from the Fisheries Administration, Kratie Fisheries Administration Cantonment and WWF, in the Kampi dolphin pool in Sambok village and commune, in Chitr Borei district.
The ministry lauded the excellent news, highlighting that the last recorded dolphin death was in 2024. The new births bring Cambodia’s Mekong dolphin population to 116.
The ministry described the absence of deaths caused by illegal fishing gear as the result of joint efforts by the ministry — particularly the Fisheries Conservation Department under the Fisheries Administration — along with the Kratie and Stung Treng provincial authorities, WWF and river guards. They have worked together to strengthen patrols, prevent illegal fishing, monitor dolphin health, raise public awareness and enhance cooperation with development partners, it added.
It also thanked river guards, local authorities and the public for helping to protect these valuable aquatic resources. It urged fishermen to report any dolphin encounters — especially with calves — to fisheries authorities.
WWF Cambodia reported that to strengthen protection efforts for the dolphins, government officials, river guards and conservation partners held a meeting at Kratie Provincial Hall on March 9.
“The meeting highlighted encouraging progress: 2025 recorded zero dolphin deaths from illegal fishing gear and eight newborn calves in the Mekong River. Participants agreed to further strengthen patrols, improve monitoring using drone technology and enhance community outreach,” it said.
Through continued cooperation and conservation efforts, Cambodia aims to ensure the sustainable growth of the Mekong dolphin population while protecting the river ecosystem that supports thousands of families.
