Irrawaddy dolphin dies of freshwater shock in Prachin Buri
An Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as a bottlenose dolphin, was found in a weakened state in the Prachin Buri River, following reports from locals.
The dolphin had been spotted hunting fish during a period of increased salinity from January 19 to January 21, near three temples in Baan Sang district, Prachin Buri province. Efforts by the Department of Fisheries and related agencies were underway to return it to its natural habitat at the Bang Pakong River estuary in the Gulf of Thailand.
Yesterday, January 22, residents near the Baan Sang market, within the Baan Sang subdistrict, noticed the dolphin appearing fatigued and possibly injured, floating and not diving as usual. They promptly notified relevant officials.
Officials from the Prachin Buri Fisheries Office, the Provincial Office of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Upper Gulf Marine and Coastal Resources Research Centre responded by examining the situation and assisting in bringing the dolphin ashore. The dolphin measured over 2.20 metres in length and weighed more than 100 kilogrammes.
Despite the rescue efforts, it ultimately succumbed to freshwater shock. The dolphin’s remains have been sent for a post-mortem examination, reported KhaoSod.
Wutthipong Wong-in, Director of the Marine Resources Conservation Division at the Office of Marine and Coastal Resources 2, revealed that dolphins have been entering the Bang Pakong River to forage over the past two years.
Preventative measures include educating locals on dolphin conservation, preparing appropriate equipment, advising fishermen to be cautious with nets, and promoting conservation alongside tourism to encourage community involvement.
In related news, fishing officials are preparing to return an Irrawaddy dolphin, also known as a bottle-nosed dolphin, back to its natural habitat after it was spotted feeding on fish in the Prachin Buri River on January 21. The sighting near Wat Bang Tan, Wat Bang Yang, and Wat Bang Toei attracted attention on social media when photographs were posted online.
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