A dolphin is seen in the conservation area near Mandalay. Photo: Supplied
The Fishery Department and Wildlife Conservation Society WCS (Myanmar) are cooperating in extending Ayeyawady dolphin conservation areas and conducting servey activities from Mandalay to Bhamo, Kachin State and they are currently on a second trip.
During this trip, eight staff members from Mandalay, Sagaing and Kachin Fishery departments carried out research activities. This research trip is scheduled to take about two weeks. The officials from the fishery departments of Shwebo and Htigyaing townships will also take part in research activities within their respective township area.
Research activities will include recording the number of dolphin, educative talks and practical activity of trainees from SMART Database patrol for dolphin protected areas and taking actions against electrofishing. Additionally, conducting surveys and collecting data for Ayeyawady dolphin conservation areas extension will also be included in this cooperation, said U Han Win, in-charge of Ayeyawady dolphin conservation under the Fishery Department.
“We will collect the necessary data and conduct awareness campaigns for the extension areas of Ayeyawady dolphin conservation.
We did survey those places last time. This time, we will make sure to reach more places and study more. Normally, conservation and research trips were held in February in the past years. But, three times are slated for this year, he continued.
The extension area will start from the Ayeyawady River in Kanbalu Township, Sagaing Region to the Ayeyawady River in Shwegu town, Kachin State.
This research trip is the second of this year. The Fishery Department and the WCS Myanmar cooperated in patrolling to ensure there is no illegal fishing during fish breeding season in June, said U Kyaw Hla Thein, in-charge from WCS Myanmar.
According research carried out in January 2017, only 60 dolphins were discovered.
Nyi Tu
The post WCS on servey trip to dolphin conservation area appeared first on Global New Light Of Myanmar.