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| D i S C L A I M E R |

MORTALITY MONITORING NETWORK & DOLPHIN HOTLINE

The extent of accidental entanglements or other causes of death of shushuk and Irrawaddy dolphins in Bangladeshi waters is unknown. Through a mortality monitoring network we plan to collect first-hand information through close collaboration with local communities in the Sundarban area. A team of trained volunteers will form the Dolphin Response Team, responding to reported incidents from the Dolphin Hotline. Villagers will be encouraged to contact BCDP through the hotline regarding trapped, entangled or dead dolphins. In response to these calls the Response Team will assist in releasing the animal, collect information and samples from dead animals, and use the opportunity to disseminate educational materials among the villagers. Developing a sustainable program for mortality monitoring will enable us to establish the direct threats and explore tangible actions to reduce them in collaboration with local communities sharing their resources.

Using volunteer students from local universities will give them rigorous field experience in social and conservation science techniques, strengthen our contacts with the academic community in Bangladesh, and create a strong informational base in support of conservation management and sustainable development in the proposed protected area network.
 

For the Dolphin Response Teams we plan to train students from Khulna, Dhaka and Chittagong Universities and provide with them with logistical and technical support to respond to incoming information, conduct extensive interviews among rural communities and create awareness and local support for conservation efforts. The previously established network of local NGOs active in the Sundarban fringe area will be used to spread stickers and educational materials promoting the Dolphin Hotline, depicting instructions on how to handle entangled animals and general information on the cetaceans present in our waters. Information gathered by the Dolphin Response Team will be used to analyze the extent of direct threats faced by the dolphin population in the Sundarban area and ensure that protected area plans are sensitive and supportive of the needs of local villagers who face many of the same life challenges as the dolphins (e.g. food security, source of plentiful and relatively clean freshwater during the dry season).
The established mortality network will allow a thorough long-term monitoring and evaluation of direct threats to cetaceans. This information is essential base-line data for measuring conservation efforts and finding locally appropriate solutions to reduce the risk of accidental entanglement. Through the educational outreach and training of student volunteers we hope to broaden the local understanding of the importance of these cetaceans, thereby strengthening the local support for their conservation.We anticipate that in July 2009 preliminary approval will be given by the government of Bangladesh for the establishment of the proposed protected area network. We believe that the chances of achieving this result are high due to the strong support we have already received from partnership agencies, universities and other conservation projects. Additionally we will have completed preliminary studies needed for developing a science-based, community informed management plan for the protected area network and trained an enthusiastic group of volunteers to assist with its implementation.

What can I do to help dolphins, whales and porpoises?

Being well informed is the first step. When decisions are that might endanger cetaceans you have a responsibility to speak out for these animals. Tell others about what you know and ask them to join you in protecting cetaceans. These animals are part of the rich wildlife heritage of Bangladesh.

If you find a live dolphin or whale stranded, get it back to the water as fast as possible.
Call for help and do not panic. Keep your personal safety in mind.
Keep the animal cool and wet.
Keep the blowhole above water. Do not touch, cover or splash water on the blowhole.
Keep scavengers away.
If the animal is alive, carefully move it with a stretcher made from a lunghi. Never lift the animal by its fins or flukes. Keep away from the animal's mouth. Call the Dolphin Hotline to inform us about your rescue action.
If the animal is dead, call the Dolphin Hotline and follow further instructions.
Never attempt to catch a shushuk or keep it in a pond. It will not survive for long.
Cetaceans are protected by law. It is illegal to catch this endanger animal or to sell or buy the whole animal or any parts of it.