CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DOLPHIN WATCHING IN THE MEKONG RIVER

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR DOLPHIN WATCHING IN THE MEKONG RIVER

Guidelines for responsible tourism have been developed in association with the Cambodian Department of Fisheries, the Mekong River Dolphin Research and Conservation Program and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, WDCS. Please follow the guidelines listed below, to ensure the Irrawaddy dolphins are not harassed and are able to conduct their daily activities without harm or stress.

TOURISTS AND OPERATORS MUST ENSURE THAT THEY RESPECT THE DOLPHIN-WATCHING CODE OF CONDUCT. THIS WILL ENSURE THAT DOLPHINS ARE NOT DISTURBED IN KAMPI POOL – THE MOST IMPORTANT DRY SEASON REFUGE IN THE MEKONG RIVER.

THE PRICE PER BOAT TO VIEW THE DOLPHINS IN KAMPI POOL IS FIXED BY THE PROVINCIAL AUTHORITIES

PLEASE FOLLOW THESE GUIDELINES TO HELP TO SAVE THE MEKONG RIVER DOLPHINS!

IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS ARE SHY DOLPHINS, THAT WILL GENERALLY NOT APPROACH BOATS AND CERTAINLY WILL NOT BOW-RIDE – PLEASE DO NOT ASK YOU BOAT DRIVER TO CHASE OR HARASS THE DOLPHINS!! THE DRIVER KNOWS BEST AND WILL GIVE YOU A GOOD VIEW OF THE DOLPHINS – WITHOUT HARASSING THEM.

DOLPHINS ARE HIGHLY INTELLIGENT ANIMALS, SENSITIVE TO DISTURBANCE AND CAN BE HIT BY VESSELS, INCLUDING THEIR PROPELLERS. WHEN WATCHING DOLPHINS, ALWAYS LET THEM DECIDE WHAT HAPPENS.

WHEN WATCHING IRRAWADDY DOLPHINS, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE GUIDELINES:

ALL dolphin-watching boats must be fitted with a propeller guard.

TURN OFF the motor once upstream of the dolphin group and then float downstream.

NEVER turn on the motor when dolphins are within 500m of the boat.

NEVER drive head on to, or move between, scatter or separate dolphins.

ALWAYS drive slowly and at the edges of the pool when using the motor.

SPECIAL care must be taken with mothers and young. Remember that mothers will be protective of their young, so always give them extra space and consideration.

NEVER try to swim with the dolphins, for your safety and theirs.

DO NOT dispose of any rubbish, litter or contaminants in the river.