Myanmar wants to restore joint human-dolphin fisheries

Authorities in Myanmar are trying to restore cooperation between humans and freshwater dolphins in fishing, a practice that has disappeared since the animal was brought to the brink of extinction.

A rare species of dolphin, which lives in the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar and other smaller isolated areas of Southeast Asia, especially at the mouth of rivers into the ocean, is an endangered species, and the main threats to these dolphins are nets in which they often become entangled, hunting using electricity, as well as poisons from a nearby gold mine, reports the world's media.

"Fishermen and Irrawaddy dolphins used to catch fish together in the river. We are now trying to revive that practice and will offer help to fishermen in nearby villages," said Han Win, deputy director of the State Fisheries Institute.

He explained that fishermen used to communicate with dolphins by hitting the water and one side of the boat with their oars, after which they would go fishing together.

"The dolphins are afraid of humans now," Han Vin said.

Authorities intend to help fishermen in four villages along the 230-kilometer long protected zone of the Irrawaddy River.

The idea is to convince fishermen to use alternative fishing methods instead of electric shockers.

"We hope that this old practice will come to life again. It could also become one of the tourist attractions," Han Win added.

There are only 63 specimens of that dolphin left in the Irrawaddy River.

The species is critically endangered, on the verge of extinction. Environmentalists have announced a greater promotion of ecotourism for 2015 in order to raise awareness of the need to protect dolphin habitats.