PHNOM PENH (XINHUA) – Conservationists yesterday embarked on a four-day 120-kilometre (km) relay swim down the Mekong River to raise awareness about the protection of the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia, reported Xinhua quoting a joint press release.
The Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River face a critical risk of extinction, remaining only in a 120-km range between Stung Treng and Kratie provinces in northeast Cambodia, the press release said.
While ongoing conservation efforts have helped stabilise their numbers, threats continue to endanger this freshwater dolphins’ population, such as accidental entanglement in fishing gear, habitat degradation and illegal fishing practices, it added.
“Over four days, a team of swimmers will take turns navigating the Mekong’s currents, accompanied by a safety team in kayaks and support boats,” the press release said.
“The expedition will not only showcase the endurance and dedication of the participants but also serve as an opportunity to document dolphin sightings, identify threats and remove harmful litter and abandoned fishing nets from the river,” it added.
Cambodian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Dith Tina said the ministry fully supported this initiative, which would significantly contribute to preserving Mekong dolphins.
“As the results have shown these last three years, the Mekong dolphin population keeps on increasing,” he said, adding, “This is undeniable evidence of our commitment and effective conservation programme.”
