Mawtinzun Pagoda Board of Trustees reports that a group of Irrawaddy dolphins entangled in fishing nets along Mawtinzun beach in Ayeyawady Region has been successfully released. The heartwarming rescue effort was captured in photos shared on social media.
At least 15 Irrawaddy dolphins were entangled in the nets, struggling to free themselves from the fishing gear.
On March 12, concerned locals witnessed their plight near Myat Mawtinzun Pagoda beach, which lies close to Haigyi Island in Ngapudaw Township, Pathein District.
Local fishermen actively participated in planning the dolphins’ release. Contrary to speculation, no one intentionally caught the dolphins. Instead, they became trapped while inadvertently pulling the fishing net. Approximately 20 to 30 people were involved in the fishing activity, and their awareness of the dolphins’ predicament led to their eventual rescue. In total, 15 dolphins were returned to their natural habitat.
The beach where the dolphins were ensnared is situated near the village of Kyarkan, between Mawtin Dindi and Ngai Taung Beach. These gentle marine creatures were also found on the beach near Kyarkan village, which lies between Mawtinzun and Ngwe Taung beaches.
According to the Mawtinzun Pagoda Board of Trustees, various marine species, including dolphins, whales, and porpoises, frequently come ashore in the region. Some of the whales observed were 20 to 25 feet long, although regrettably, a few were found dead.
The unique topography of Mawtinzun beach, characterized by reefs, prevents dolphins from venturing too close to the shore. Typically, they inhabit deeper waters. However, the sandy beach near Kyarkan village proved to be an exception, leading to their accidental entanglement in fishing nets.
Despite its rarity, this phenomenon is not entirely unusual in the region. During the pagoda festival held in Tabaung and Tagu of the Myanmar Lunar month, dolphins are often discovered in distress. These annual encounters have made the locals well-acquainted with the challenges faced by these magnificent marine creatures.
