Irrawaddy Dolphin
Image credit: Gerry Ryan
Project

Preventing Bycatch of Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Mekong River

Duration
2013 - 2015
Location
Cambodia
Species protected
Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris

Project objectives

The overall goal of this project is to stop the decline and eventually increase the population of Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River. The mortality rate of nealry one dolphin per month, must be reduced if this population is to recover.

The first step toward achieving this is by eliminating dolphin deaths in gillnets in 2013 and 2014, the period supported by this grant. To achieve that the project team will provide training, equipment, and supplies to more than 70 rangers in 17 posts along the Mekong River.

This project is implemented by WWF Cambodia.

Threats

Over-exploitation of natural resources & prey depletion