Dolphins in the Sundarbans

The waterways of the Sundarbans are full of resources and fun surprises - including dolphins. Dolphins are among the most important dynamic aquatic fauna in the Sundarbans and even in the entirety of Bangladesh. As a global sanctuary for two of Asia's remaining freshwater species, the Sundarbans offer visitors a rare chance to view these incredible creatures in the wild. 

The country has one-third of the world's freshwater dolphins and 60% of the world’s saltwater dolphins.

TBS Report

The Ganges River Dolphin and Irrawaddy Dolphin are two species of freshwater dolphins seeking refuge in the Sundarban rivers. Bangladesh supports the world's largest population of Irrawaddy Dolphins, which numbers about 6,000 individuals along the southern coast of Bangladesh, including the Sundarbans. 

These mammal populations face many threats, including anthropogenic activities such as unsustainable fishing practices like using illegal gillnets, rising salinity, river pollution, and noise pollution. Due to these factors, both species have disappeared from significant portions of their traditional ranges. Yet, they occur in sufficient numbers in the Sundarbans, which intensifies the significance of this mangrove forest and its ongoing protection. 

Dolphin conservation activities include research, community awareness and education programs, advanced patrolling to minimize wildlife crime, and policy advocacy. Wildlife Conservation Society Bangladesh has been working in the Sundarbans and other coastal areas for the protection of cetacean species of Bangladesh. Thanks to their decade-long research and conservation efforts, the Bangladesh government declared three areas of the canals in Sundarbans covering 32 km as dolphin sanctuaries in 2012 to heighten their protection. These sanctuaries protect not only dolphins but several other aquatic species as well.

The Sundarbans region in Bangladesh is home to several dolphin sanctuaries established to protect endangered cetaceans, particularly the Ganges river dolphin and the Irrawaddy dolphin. This means the canals have been declared by the government as safe havens for the valued species. Fishing along the protected waterways is strictly prohibited, with severe penalties, including jail time and fines, for violations.

This ban aims to minimize human interference and allow the dolphin populations to thrive. However, the continued passage of large vessels carrying goods like oil through these sanctuaries poses a significant threat to these fragile species. Sanctuaries and critical waterways are crucial for the dolphins' survival, but they require stricter enforcement and monitoring to reduce the risks posed by human activities.

The Sundarbans in Bangladesh has several dolphin sanctuaries, including:

• Dhangmari
• Chandpai
• Dudhmukhi
• Mrigamari check-post
• Bemara canal
• Sela-Supati rivers
• Sibsa River
• Estuarine area around Putney Island
• Pasur River
• Baleshawr Estuary
• Pankhali confluence