BCDP Presents : : SHUSHUK.ORG

A BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE CETACEAN RESEARCH ACTIVITIES IN BANGLADESH

1996 - 2002:

Meeting of the Asian River Dolphin Committee in Rajendrapur, dedicated dolphin surveys of the Kaptai Lake, Karnaphuli, Halda, Sangu, Matamuhuri and Bagkhali Rivers and portions of the Jammuna and Kalni-Kushiyara Rivers, study on the impacts of water development of river dolphins, and seminar on River Dolphin Conservation in Dhaka.

February 2002:

First ever survey for dolphins in all the rivers of Bangladeshi Sundarban with scientists from India, Bangladesh, U.K. and USA. Brian D. Smith organized this epic research journey for the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) and was supported by Bangladesh Forest Department, Whale and DolphinConservation Society (WDCS) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).

September 2002:

Survey of Sundarban waterways during the post-monsoon in collaboration with IUCN Bangladesh.

January 2004:

Survey of the entire Bangladesh Coast from Saint Martin`s Island bordering Myanmar to the Sundarban mangrove forest bordering India, with 15 scientists from Bangladesh, India, Sri Lanka and Myanmar. Marine dolphins and whales discovered in good numbers and diversity at the Swatch-of-No-Ground.

February 2005:

Spinner and Pan-tropical spotted dolphins recorded at the Swatch-of-No-Ground on a casual expedition.

December 2005:

A photo-identification study of Bottlenose dolphins at the Swatch-of-No-Ground was initiated.

July 2006:

The birth of the Bangladesh Cetacean Diversity Project (BCDP)

November 2007:

Training for NGO field level staff, University students and representatives of various institutions and organizations for Educational Outreach and Capacity Building. Publication of educational materials in English and Bengali language for wide distribution.

October 2008:

First-ever 'Shushuk Mela', a four-day event in Dhaka introducing the Whales and Dolphins of Bangladesh to 10,000 visitors, including technical seminar and premiere of the educational documentary film 'Shushuk, Our Rivers and Mankind'. Presentation of Proposal for Protected Area Network for Cetacean Diversity (PANCD) submitted to the Government of Bangladesh.