AKP Phnom Penh, March 22, 2026 —

A newborn Irrawaddy dolphin has been spotted in the Koh Santuok pool in Svay village, Koh Sralay commune, Siem Bok district, Stung Treng province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The calf was observed at around 2:00 p.m. on Mar. 21 by a research team from the Fisheries Administration, the Kratie and Stung Treng Fisheries Administration Cantonments, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

This marks the first dolphin calf recorded in Stung Treng province in 2026 and the fourth nationwide, including those recently documented in Kratie province. With this new birth, the total population of Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia’s Mekong River has risen to 116.

Officials attributed the continued births and the absence of dolphin deaths caused by illegal fishing gear to strengthened conservation efforts. These include coordinated actions by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries—particularly its Fisheries Administration—along with provincial authorities, relevant institutions, local communities, WWF, and river guards. Efforts have focused on intensified patrols, prevention of illegal fishing, monitoring dolphin health, raising public awareness, and strengthening cooperation with development partners.

The Ministry expressed its appreciation to river guards, local authorities, and citizens for their active role in protecting Cambodia’s valuable aquatic resources.

Fishermen and the public are encouraged to report any sightings of dolphins, especially calves, to fisheries authorities via the following contact numbers: 012 897 943, 011 355 883, 099 791 919, 092 918 144, and 017 818 382.

By C. Nika