Unique bond between locals and Irrawaddy dolphins under threat

KUCHING: In the remote villages of Rajang, Belawai and Paloh along Sarawak’s coastline, local fishers have long shared a unique bond with the Irrawaddy dolphins.

These dolphins, affectionately known as “bung” in the Melanau language, are more than a welcome spectacle—they are essential to the fishers’ livelihood.

“Whenever we see the Irrawaddy dolphins, it’s like a blessing from the sea. They guide us to the best fishing spots, and their presence assures us of a bountiful catch,” said Mohd Fadzlie.

Mohd Fadzlie

With a knowing smile, he recounts the countless times Irrawaddy dolphins have led their boats to schools of fish, their sleek forms slicing through the waves like silver arrows.

Meanwhile, Mohd Ishak shares an old village legend about a dolphin rescuing a villager during a storm.

Mohd Ishak

“There’s an old legend in our village. It’s said that many years ago, during a fierce storm, one of our own was swept out to sea. But just as all hope seems lost, an Irrawaddy dolphin appeared, offering its fin as a lifeline. It carried our ancestors back to shore, back to safety,” he said.

However, this bond faces threats. Incidental catches and habitat degradation pose significant risks to the survival of the Irrawaddy dolphins.

In response, local communities, Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas), and WWF-Malaysia are collaborating to empower fishers as stewards of their environment.

A young fisher turned citizen scientist, Sharul Azizi, embodies this spirit of collaboration. Equipped with modern survey tools, Azizi documents dolphin sightings and reports incidents, blending traditional wisdom with scientific methods.

Shahrul Azizi

“We may not have conservation training or scientific accolades, but we know these waters like the back of our hands.

“By working together, we can protect our Irrawaddy dolphins and ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at their beauty.”

Through initiatives like these, he added, there is a growing sense of optimism.

By bridging the gap between tradition and conservation, these communities hope to safeguard the Irrawaddy dolphins for future generations.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial to recognise the importance of Irrawaddy dolphins and our marine environments.

Educating ourselves and supporting conservation initiatives can ensure the harmony between humans and nature continues to thrive.