Phnom Penh: A team of experts has concluded that a dolphin found floating on the shore of Koh Andeng in Kampong Thik village, Boeung Char commune, Sambor district, Kratie province in early May 2026 died of old age.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries on May 26, 2026, the public was informed of the results of the examination and autopsy on the body of a dolphin that was found floating on the shore of Koh Andeng in Kampong Thik village, Boeung Char commune, Sambor district, Kratie province in early May 2026.
According to the results of the examination, this dolphin has ID number 94 (ID: 94) A female dolphin that used to live in Anlong Tboung Kla, Siem Bok District, Stung Treng Province. The dolphin is about 30 years old, 231 centimeters long and weighs 170 kilograms. According to physical examination, the dolphin has worn teeth, an empty stomach with no food, and no scars from fishing gear on its body.
Based on its biological characteristics, the Irrawaddy Dolphin can reproduce at the age of 7 and can live up to 30 years, with a maximum weight of between 150 and 200 kilograms. The expert team concluded that “dolphin number 94 died of old age.”
Since the last dolphin death in November 2024 until the natural death in May 2026, there have been 19 months in which no dolphins have died from any other causes. This result reflects the determination and tireless efforts of the ministry’s leaders, experts, and riverine communities to strictly prevent dolphin deaths due to external factors such as entanglement, fishing, or injuries from boat propellers, etc.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries would like to express its deepest gratitude to the riverine communities, fisheries officials, local authorities, and citizens who have always actively participated in the conservation and protection of this valuable fishery resource.
At the same time, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries would like to appeal to citizens if they have spotted dolphins (especially baby dolphins) or illegal fishing activities.
