Irrawaddy dolphins near Sarawak’s coastline.
FOR generations, Melanau fishermen in the remote villages of Rajang, Belawai and Paloh along Sarawak’s coastline have shared a deep bond with the enigmatic Irrawaddy dolphin.
The sight of the dolphins, known as “bung” in the Melanau language, is not just a welcomed spectacle but also a good sign for the livelihood for seasoned fishermen like Mohd Fadzlie.
“Whenever we see 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,” he told World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Malaysia.
In a media release, WWF-Malaysia said local folklore also highlighted the close kinship between the marine mammals and coastal communities.
According to fisherman Mohd Ishak, an old legend in his village recounts how their ancestors were swept out to sea during a fierce storm.
“Just as all hope seemed lost, an Irrawaddy dolphin appeared and offered its fin as a lifeline. It carried our ancestors back to shore safely,” said Ishak.
Fisherman-turned-citizen scientist Sharul is helping to protect these dolphins using a survey app. — Courtesy photos
Amid these tales of camaraderie, however, Irrawaddy dolphins face threats to their survival from incidental catches and habitat degradation.
To address this challenge, WWF-Malaysia embarked on collaborative efforts with Sarawak Forestry Corporation, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak and local communities to empower fishermen as stewards of their marine environment.
Sharul Azizi, a young fisherman-turned-citizen scientist, best embodies the spirit of this collaboration.
“I grew up in the belief that Irrawaddy dolphins were our friends.
“When I learned about their endangered status, it was a wake-up call.
“I knew I had to do something to protect them, to repay the debt of gratitude we owe them,” he said.
Born and raised in Paloh, Sharul now carries a tablet equipped with survey apps alongside his fishing net, ready to document Irrawaddy dolphin sightings and report incidents of stranding or incidental catches.
Through collaborative training programmes and citizen science initiatives, Sharul and his fellow fishermen have learned to collect data using the Survey123 app.
They have been involved in the trial phase for about seven months, actively providing feedback and suggestions to refine the initiative.
“We may not have conservation training or scientific accolades, but we know these waters like the back of our hands,” he said.
“By working together, we can protect our Irrawaddy dolphins and ensure that future generations can continue to marvel at their beauty,” he added.
