Now numbering only about 70 individuals, Irrawaddy dolphins from Myanmar are critically endangered. Yet, rampant electrofishing and degradation of dolphin habitat continues unabated. This population is the only one to display unique "Cooperative Fishing" culture with local fishermen. Sign a petition to demand a designation of "World Natural Heritage" status for "Cooperative Fishing" culture from UNESCO.
The Covid-19 pandemic has hit the ecotourism sector really hard. The cast-net fishermen who showcased the unique 'Cooperative Fishing' culture with the dolphins have lost their livelihood overnight and the visitor count has not recovered since. To discourage them from converting into illegal electric fishermen, we help them sell these souvenir items online. These dolphin sculptures and replica nets are handcrafted by recognized 'Cooperative Fishermen' and under normal circumstances, sold onsite to tourists. We are collaborating with passionate students from the Youth Charity Organization Myanmar to create a platform and sell them online. The proceeds are used to support the fishing communities and field conservation activities.
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The suckermouth armoured catfish, originally from South America, has invaded the Irrawaddy river since 2000s. Without a natural predator, their number multiplied and have become a dangerous invasive species for in the dolphin's habitat. Not only they cling onto the skin of the dolphins, causing discomfort and stress to the dolphins, they also compete for food with other endemic species that the dolphins rely on for food.
We are now working with the Department of Fishery to spread awareness about the danger of this species among fish breeders and the general public not to release this species into natural waters. On the ground, we are working with DOF, and Grow Back For Posterity to remove this species in the Dolphin Protected Area. Captured fishes are grounded into soil upon which trees are planted to alleviate climate change in the middle dry zone of Myanmar.
A petition from 20,000 Myanmar citizens is submitted to the State Counsellor's Office, the President's Office, and the Parliament to request urgent conservation actions to save Irrawaddy Dolphins.
Discarded plastic materials have accumulated in our ocean, thereby polluting our beaches and threatening marine lives.
Choose Irrawaddy Dolphin branded reusable aluminum bottles and cotton tote bags instead of their plastic counterparts to show your friends and colleagues with pride that you have converted to a dolphin protector.
All proceeds will be used to fund our dolphin conservation activities.
A week long nation-wide media campaign to raise awareness about saving the critically endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins from the Ayeyarwady River.
There were a lot of activities (see below) that can contribute towards dolphin conservation, all of which can be done from the safety of your home.
Please follow our official campaign facebook page to learn up-to-date info: